Basketball Recap: Mia Nielsen's Big Game Can't Quite Lead Capital over Peninsula

Capital lost against Peninsula back in December of 2024 and unfortunately they wound up with the same result on Thursday. The Capital Cougars fell to the Peninsula Seahawks 50-45. While losing is never fun, the Cougars can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' Washington basketball rankings (they are ranked 249th, while the Seahawks are ranked 107th).

Capital lost despite a true team effort on offense, the best among them being Mia Nielsen, who posted 28 points. That was a full 62.2% of Capital's points, marking the third time in a row she's earned more than a third of the team's points. The team also got some help courtesy of Kail'Ah Allen, who put up seven points and 16 rebounds.

Cougars

Previous 2 Games

01/23/25 vs Peninsula	45-50
01/21/25 @ Lakes	33-39

Even though they lost, Capital smashed the offensive glass and finished the game with 12 offensive rebounds. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now pulled down at least ten offensive boards in nine consecutive matchups.

It was another big night for Grace Richardson, who almost dropped a double-double on 22 points and nine boards for Peninsula. Richardson has been hot for a while, having also posted two or more steals the last ten times she's played. Katelyn Lea also deserves some recognition as she posted her first assist of the season.

Capital has traveled a rocky road recently having lost five of their last six games, which put a noticeable dent in their 4-12 record this season. As for Peninsula, they have been performing well recently as they've won three of their last four contests, which provided a nice bump to their 10-6 record this season.

When Capital and Peninsula next hit the court, they'll be up against teams who recently just can't seem to lose. Capital will try to stop North Thurston's 16-game winning streak when the meet at 7:00 p.m. on Monday. Similarly, Peninsula will take on River Ridge and their six-game winning streak at 7:00 p.m. on Monday.