Kennewick off to a good start when Angelique Whistocken beats everybody down court for an easy transition layin, and Kim Harrod scores back-to-back buckets during a 6-2 Lions run.

But Hanford settles down and starts attacking the basket, going on a 9-4 run to end the quarter.

Falcons lead 12-10 after one quarter.

*******

Whistocken drew two first-quarter fouls and just picked up No. 3 on the first Hanford possession of the second quarter. She'll have to sit out at least the next 12 minutes to keep her out of trouble.

But Panisesi Taimani, the Lions' junior post, is causing some problems inside. When Kennewick gets her the ball, there's not much Hanford can do to stop her. She's having a difficult time, however, with her footwork down low. If she can get settled, and her teammates can clear some passing lanes, that could be a major factor.

That hasn't happened yet, and Hanford is starting to take advantage of some bad defensive rotations by the Lions. The Falcons are seeing a lot of open jumpers and they're beginning to find their range. Collette Gall hit a 3-pointer from the left wing with 1:57 left in the half, and Makenna Hall capped a 7-2 Hanford run with a pair of buckets to give Hanford a 20-16 lead at the end of the second quarter.

Stay tuned. Back with more later.

*******

Kennewick going cold. The Lions shoot 2-for-11 in third quarter and fall behind 31-20. Coach Tarah Staton took a chance by bringing in Whistocken with three fouls, I'm sure with the caveat of not being too aggressive. Unfortunately that's part of her game, so she hasn't been too effective since coming back. She's got just four points through three quarters.

Meanwhile, Gall is showing why she's an all-CBBN pick, scoring seven points in the third frame.

******

Game is getting away from the Lions midway through the fourth. They trail 40-24 with just over 5 minutes remaining in the game. Hanford on a 9-4 run to start the frame. Staton calls a timeout with 5:10 left. Lets see if the Lions can make a run to get back into it.

*****

Whistocken has started to attack more, she's got 6 points so far in the fourth, but Kennewick is too far behind. It's 51-33 with 1:34 left.

Gall is such a polished player. She's doing it all tonight. Leads all scorers with 17, four rebounds and three steals.

Hanford wins it 53-39. The Falcons will travel to Eastmont at 4 p.m. Saturday for the CBBN 3A district semifinals.

Check back here at SportsTri-Cities.com for my live blog of the Hanford-Southridge boys first-round district game.