The Oak Harbor eighth-grade Catz girls basketball team rebounded from losses in the first two rounds to finish fourth in an end-of-the-year tournament at Burlington May 18 and 19.

The Catz opened the tournament with losses to two tough teams, UBA of British Columbia and Lake Stevens.

Playing their third game on Saturday, the Catz blitzed Burlington 40-28. With the help of 10 straight points from Kaytlyn Wallin, Oak Harbor forged an early lead and earned the win.

Six of the team’s eight players, Wallin, Bryn Langrock, Michaela Dasch, Rashanna Graham, Julie Jansen and Mia Littlejohn, scored in the contest.

Coach Gary Brundidge said, “Mia Gehrmann and Kalia Littlejohn contributed mightily on defense, grabbing rebounds and playing tough defense to round-out the Catz team.”

The Catz defeated Island Intensity of South Whidbey 26-17 Sunday in the game for fourth place.

After an early deficit, Oak Harbor pushed into the lead behind the scoring and rebounding of Jansen.

Brundidge said the Catz, noting Jansen’s height advantage, fed Jansen “for the tune of 11 points.”

He added, “A tough press spearheaded by the Littlejohn sisters proved to be a key component of numerous steals and led to extra scoring opportunities.”

Again six players scored, Jansen, Langrock, Graham, Wallin, Gehrmann, Jaden Jesus and Kalia Littlejohn.

The fourth-place trophy was awarded to Graham as the Most Valuable Player for the year, according to Brundidge.

He said, “If I could I would have given one to each and every player for the thrills I had this year coaching these dedicated players. [Coach Scott Hay and I] wish to thanks all players, parents and helpers that were a part of this team during the last four years.”