Talk is usually cheap but for the La Conner High School girls' basketball team it paid huge dividends ahead of the Lady Braves' 79-2 NW1B/2B blowout win at Concrete Friday night.

Coming off a tough two-game slide – close losses to 1B powers Mount Vernon Christian and Neah Bay – La Conner (8-3) amped up its defensive energy against the Lady Lions.

"We had a pretty honest meeting Tuesday with the girls while watching our game film of Neah Bay," head coach Joe Harper said, referencing a heartbreaking last-second home loss Jan. 3 to the Lady Reds. "We pointed out the lack of defensive effort and intensity in our last two games."

In its 46-45 setback at Mount Vernon Christian on Dec. 17, La Conner was victimized by MVC's proficiency from behind the three-point line.

While Concrete is not in the same league –figuratively or literally– as MVC or Neah Bay, Harper gave his charges a ringing endorsement for holding the hosts without a single field goal.

"We responded and played really well tonight," Harper stressed. "I'm pleased with the effort."

Concrete managed just lone free throws in the first and third periods.

La Conner posted the lopsided score despite not applying backcourt pressure.

"We stayed in man defense the entire time and didn't press at all," Harper said.

Makayla Herrera led all scorers with 24 points.

Ellie Marble, who reached the 1,000-career point mark Friday night, finished with 22 points for the victors.

Josie Harper (19) landed in double figures for La Conner as well.

Shaniquah Casey (6), Lily Dougliss (4) and Kennedy Miller (2) also scored.

The Lady Braves resume conference play at Friday Harbor this Saturday with a rare 12 p.m. tipoff.

La Conner returns home Jan. 18 for a 5:15 p.m. league matchup with Coupeville.