Coming off a lengthened game against Ayden-Grifton on Tuesday, fatigue was hardly an issue for the Pam Pack Wednesday night, as Washington’s full-court press muddled the Northside backcourt en route to a 47-40 victory.

Reigning Washington Daily News All-County Player-of-the-Year Alex Adams picked up right where she left off last season, finishing with 20 points, six rebounds, eight steals and four assists in a losing effort.

“You’re not going to stop her,” said Washington head coach Jon Scharpenberg. “What we tried to do was speed her up, let her think she was open and then make sure she got one shot and not more. Every time she shot we had a body on her, for the most part.”

For Washington, following a productive opening night, senior Abby Walker continued her solid play with 18 points and nine rebounds. The catalyst on both sides of the ball, Walker was one of a select few that limited mental mistakes and costly turnovers.

In the first quarter, Walker contained the paint, pressured inbounds passes and dropped eight quick points, including a perfect four-for-four from the line. Despite early foul trouble, Erica Hopkins patrolled the glass and came through with four second-chance points.

Adams and Northside dominated the Pam Pack in transition in the second quarter. Adams eluded the press on the baseline, which opened up lanes on the break for players like Rachel Lang and Kendall Alligood. After being held to just six points through the first eight minutes, the Panthers outscored the Pam Pack, 12-5, in the second quarter.

“First quarter, we held them to six points then came back in the second quarter flattened,” Scharpenberg said. “They need to understand they have to play this game with a lot of passion. They did a great job in the third quarter building that lead. I had a couple girls who didn’t play very minutes, but when they went in they played great.”

While Walker continued to reel in boards and convert in the paint, Eva Mackey and Tasia Ebron supplied Washington with the boost it needed to pull away. The Pam Pack led 37-27 at the end of the third, which gave the team enough of a cushion to coast through the final eight minutes.

Despite the first two games being just 24 hours apart, Scharpenberg is already seeing growth across the board.

“You can see the girls are eager for basketball knowledge. They really are,” he said. “They love the game of basketball, so when I start talking to them about adjustments, they become part of the solution.”

With the win, Washington improves to 2-0, while Northside drops its first contest of the season.

“It’s nice to win in preconference, but it’s really about getting ready and getting better for our league, which will be tough,” Scharpenberg said. “We can be competitive if we buy into what we’re doing.”

Washington’s game against Riverside has been rescheduled for a later date due to the football team’s regional championship game, while Northside hosts First Flight next Wednesday.