In their final game of the regular season, the Edmonds-Woodway high school girls basketball team stayed close to the Wesco South leading Jackson for three quarters, but the Timberwolves proved too much for the young Warrior squad, pulling away for a 53-38 win on E-W’s home court Thursday night.

In the first quarter the Warriors struggled to finish an offensive set with a bucket, but were able to fight back and get several consecutive stops preventing the Timberwolves, who are 12-1 in conference, from running away early. The Warriors were able to string together some baskets finishing with a Madeline Kasper steal and outlet to freshman sister Natalie Kasper, who scored to tie the game at 9 at the end of the first quarter.

Jackson’s defense around the perimeter effectively took away steps and knocked the E-W guards off balance. On several possessions, the Warriors would move the ball around the top, only to lose it on errant passes and the quick hands of the Timberwolves’ defense. The Warriors finished Thursday night’s game with 22 turnovers.

In the third quarter, E-W was able to notch its way back into the game and eventually take a 30-29 lead, capitalizing on some very strong defensive stops and a few Jackson miscued passes. But the Warrior girls couldn’t overcome a strong Jackson fourth, when they were outscored 18-8.

The E-W girls will play at home on Tuesday night in the first game of the 2012 district tournament, opponent to be determined.

Edmonds-Woodway Scoreboard: Madeline Kasper 14, Sidney Eck 7, Natalie Kasper 11, Samone Jackson 1, Seyi Olajoyegbe 4, Claire Fyfe 1