Coupeville Sports

Makana Stone commands the basketball to get back in her hand. (Photo property Marianne Maja Stenerud)

Onward and upward.

Sparked by the play of American assassin Makana Stone, Baerum basketball cruised to its fourth-straight hardwood win, polishing off Ullern 63-51 Wednesday in Norway.

With the victory, Baerum gets to 14-5 on the season, moving back into sole possession of second place in the seven-team Kvinneligaen.

Ulriken (19-0) sits atop the league standings, while Asker (14-6) slides a half-game back of Baerum.

Stone put together a well-balanced effort Wednesday, pumping in 19 points, snatching eight boards, and handing out six assists.

Fellow American Abbey Hoff led Baerum with 23 points and nine rebounds.

Stone and Co. jumped out to a 24-11 lead after one quarter of play, before Ullern (8-11) closed the gap to 32-25 by the half.

The second half was a taut, back-and-forth affair, with Baerum holding on to its lead until the final buzzer sounded.

The squad has three days off, returning to action Mar. 5 with a rumble against Bergen, which is 4-14 on the season.

With her stellar performance Wednesday Stone improves her season numbers to 359 points, 228 rebounds, 47 assists, 51 steals, and 11 blocked shots.

The Coupeville grad is in her second season as a pro baller, having played in England during her rookie year.