South Sound high school winter sports roundup (Feb. 13-18)

FEB. 13

BOYS BASKETBALL

1A

NO. 1 ANNIE WRIGHT 79, NO. 4 LIFE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY 50

Despite a sluggish start to their game, the Golden Gators found their rhythm on offense and sent the Eagles to the consolation bracket.

When Annie Wright was dealing with foul trouble early and missing shots, players like junior TJ Marshall and sophomore Jeremiah Harshman helped their team keep their composure.

After only putting up 13 in the first quarter, the Golden Gators scored 66 points the rest of the way. And with the exception of the 21-point third quarter, Annie Wright’s defense never allowed more than 12 points in a period.

“They are dialed in and putting in the work. We have to be disciplined and stay focused throughout the game,” said Annie Wright coach Dom Williams. “I feel like they came out a bit sluggish, and we had to create good energy. We already won both meetings [against LCA], so we needed them to get their energy flowing and not take anything lightly.”

Leading the way for the Gators was Marshall with 17 points. Behind him was sophomore Martin Kaupanger who scored 13, and freshman Amare Breedlove with 12.

Freshmen Jabez Boys and Darius Imperial, and senior Riley Kretzer all scored 11 points each for the Eagles.

The win puts Annie Wright in the district championship game against Seattle Christian. A win for the Golden Gators clinches a playoff berth.

LCA: 7-12-21-10--50

AW: 13-20-23-23--79

Scoring: (AW) Reggie Lester 5, Gabe Walsh 9, Jeremiah Harshman 13, Calvary Seui 2, Cale Carter 8, Amare Breedlove 12, TJ Marshall 17, Martin Kaupanger 13; (LCA) Darius Imperial 11, Cole Caalim 5, Jabez Boyd 11, Sam Batchelder 7, Ermias Hampton 2, Riley Kretzer 11, Satchel Pyle 3

NO. 2 SEATTLE CHRISTIAN 68, NO. 3 VASHON ISLAND 54

After taking down East Jefferson 57-43 on Feb. 11, the Pirates were bounced from the District 3 1A basketball tournament courtesy of the Warriors.

The loss sends Vashon Island on a more difficult task to make it to the state playoffs. They will take on the loser of the Annie Wright-Life Christian Academy.

And if they win, they have one more chance to clinch a spot in the state tournament.

GIRLS BASKETBALL

2A

TUMWATER 49, COLUMBIA RIVER 39

A scoring surge in the final minutes extended Tumwater’s thin lead and cemented an eighth straight win in Monday night’s District 4 semifinal at Black Hills High School.

Their double-digit advantage materialized late, but star guard Kyle Waltermeyer helped the T-Birds erase a nine-point deficit early and maintain a slim advantage to the final buzzer. The win pushes Tumwater to Friday night’s district championship and back to the state tournament for the WIAA’s Hardwood Classic from March 1-4.

Waltermeyer dropped 17 in the first half and sunk a trio of three-pointers in the second quarter. Tumwater’s senior finished with a game-high 26, followed by junior guard Regan Brewer with 16.

A game earlier on Feb. 10, Tumwater nearly doubled up Woodland in the quarterfinals, 51-26.

Tumwater’s opponent in Friday’s district title game: rival W.F. West. The Bearcats handed Tumwater its only league loss on Jan. 10, 53-37, which the T-Birds avenged in a four-point win later on Jan. 26. Friday’s district title game will, inevitably, break the season split.

BOX SCORE

T: 7-18-11-13--49

CR: 16-6-10-7--39

Scoring: (T) Kylie Waltermeyer 26, Regan Brewer 16, Cierra Larson 4, Rhylee Beebe 3; (CR) Peyton Dukes 10, Emma Iniguez 10, Taegen Benke 8, Logann Dukes 7, Kinzi Drake 2, Paige Johnson 2

FEB. 14

BOYS BASKETBALL

2A

R.A. LONG 64, TUMWATER 56

The T-Birds couldn’t get around the Lumberjacks defense as they were outscored by eight and out-rebounded 31-16.

Leading the charge for Tumwater was senior Andrew Collins, who had 19 points and five rebounds in the game. His teammate senior Luke Brewer had 15 points and seven rebounds as well.

However, R.A. Long senior Cavin Holden scored 22, senior Jaxon Cook scored 14 and sophomore TraMayne Jenkins scored 13.

Tumwater’s loss moves them to a game against Woodland where if they win, they’re in at state.

RAL: 18-12-18-16--64

T: 12-13-10-21--56

Scoring: (T) Andrew Collins 19 (5 REB), Luke Brewer 15 (7 REB), Luke Reed 11 (3 AST), Bray Noram 5, Gunnar Harron 2, Conner Hopkins 2, Tanner Brewer 2; (RAL) Cavin Holden 22, TraMayne Jenkins 13, Jaxon Cook 14, Lonnie Brown Jr 9, Jacob Gabbard 6

MARK MORRIS 79, BLACK HILLS 45

The Royals were all gas and no brakes in their win over the Wolves, outscoring them in the first three quarters of the game.

The win sends Mark Morris to the district championship, and clinched them a spot in state. Black Hills has one more shot to make it to state, but they have to get through Ridgefield first.

MM: 23-21-26-9--79

BH: 16-6-12-11--49

1A

ELMA 78, EATONVILLE 69

The Cruisers battled with everything they had, despite several starting players either out sick or fighting through illness. Unfortunately, they just couldn’t get their third win of the season over the Eagles.

Although it looked like Eatonville was going to pull away late in the second quarter, Elma clawed their way back in with some made shots and a few calls going their way. That momentum translated to the second half where the Eagles outscored the Cruisers 49-34.

“In the second quarter we went on a run, and it looked like we were going to run away with the lead heading into the half,” said coach TJ Cotterill. “We had a double digit lead but they clawed back into the game. They stole some momentum back at the end. We thought we could do the same in the second half, but it didn’t pan out.”

Senior Shay Brannon led Eatonville in scoring with 22 points. Behind him was senior Kyle Cox and junior Griffin Clevenger both scoring 10. However, Elma sophomore Traden Carter also netted 22.

The loss sends the Cruisers to the consolation bracket against La Center where they have to win two games in a row to clinch a spot in state.

ELMA: 17-12-22-27--78

EA: 17-18-18-16--69

Scoring: (Elma) Anthony Holmes 10, Grant Vessey 12, Theodore Flores 9, Traden Carter 22, Gibson Cain 8, Cason Seaberg 17; (Ea) Walker Bruun 9, Shay Brannon 22, Mark Nueva 5, Shane Taylor 4, Griffin Clevenger 10, Hunter Klumpar 9, Kyle Cox 10

GIRLS BASKETBALL

4A

NO. 7 OLYMPIA 57, NO. 15 SKYVIEW 45

Olympia’s lockdown defense swallowed Skyview in the second quarter, keeping hope alive for the Bears’ state-tournament hopes.

Skyview rained threes for only a quarter before the Bears, eventually, weathered the Storm. Olympia morphed a four-point deficit into an eight-point lead by halftime after Skyview mustered only five points in the second period.

“Our guards did a really nice job of running over the top of screens and just being super high and aggressive, and challenging their threes,” Olympia coach Dustin Workman said. “Which led to some transition opportunities for us.

“Once we got ahead, they pressured us. We’re a pretty good press-break team, so we were able to make them pay a couple of times.”

Senior center Natalia McBride paced all scorers with 21. Sophomore guard Lauren Wolen tallied 14 and senior guard Hannah Berschauer added 11.

Skyview’s Jordan Labrador-Hallett and Kiera Parks co-led Storm scorers with 16 apiece.

Tuesday’s win over Skyview was a make-or-break loser-out meeting. Olympia can punch a ticket to the state bracket with a home win over Kentridge on Friday.

“When we can hold people down defensively and get into a half-court game, we’re pretty good,” Workman said. “And we’re pretty tough, and we rebound pretty physically. And so I think the whole key for us is going to be to control the tempo against them. And make life hard for them on the offensive end.”

If Olympia loses, the Bears can still reach the WIAA Hardwood Classic with a win Saturday.

“Any time you can make that final 16,” Workman said, “it’s really special.”

BOX SCORE

S: 16-5-15-9—45

O: 12-17-13-15—57

Scoring: (O) Natalia McBride 21, Lauren Wolin 14, Hannah Berschauer 11, Lauren Juergens 7, Taylor Whaley 4; (S) Jordan Labrador-Hallett 16, Kiera Parks 16, Sam Groesbeck 7, Lainey Phillips 5, Kaydance Stratton 1

NO. 11 KENTRIDGE 54, NO. 6 KENTWOOD 49

A fourth-quarter comeback lifted Kentridge over its league-rival on Tuesday night, now a win away from a state berth.

Kentridge rallied for 19 points in the final period, including a dozen free-throws. Junior guard Sydney Esperanza tallied eight of her team-high 18 points in the fourth quarter.

The Chargers can advance to the WIAA Hardwood Classic with a road win over Olympia on Friday night. In the event of a loss, Kentridge could clinch Saturday.

Kentridge guard Trinity Schanbeck added nine points and finished a sparkling six-for-six from the foul line.

Kentwood sophomore Jessica Ajayi dropped a game-high 21 in the loss. Conquerors guard Orlaan Winston added eight.

BOX SCORE

KR: 12-13-10-19–54

KW: 16-9-12-12–49

Scoring: (KR) Sydney Esperanza 18, Jaya Brown 15, Trinity Schanbeck 9, Andrea Pop 7, Tia Schanbeck 3; (KW) Jessica Ajayi 21, Orlaan Winston 8, Niki Boris 7, Aniya Washington 5, Tia Pam 4, Dee-vyne Salu 4

NO. 5 BELLARMINE 62, NO. 12 BETHEL 44

The Lions cruised to the win against the Bison, winning by 18 points and taking one step closer to the 4A state tournament.

This is their third win over their 4A SPSL rival this season, and it sends Bethel home for good. Bellarmine waits to find out if they play against Decatur or Union as that game was postponed until Wednesday, February 15.

3A

NO. 12 CENTRAL KITSAP 55, NO. 4 EVERGREEN 47

The Cougars came away with a huge upset win over the Plainsmen, knocking them out of the District 3 tournament.

Central Kitsap stands as the second-lowest seed still standing in the tournament, just above No. 14 Spanaway Lake. The win advances the Cougars in the consolation bracket, where they will meet up against 3A SSC rival Gig Harbor.

NO. 2 AUBURN MOUNTAINVIEW 48, NO. 10 SILAS 44

The Lions and Rams played a tight game throughout the first three quarters of their matchup. However, Auburn Mountainview was able to pull away in the end and send Silas home in the district tournament.

The tenacity of the Lions’ defense led to their win, as the Rams had players slicing through and getting to the rim. Switching from zone to man, Auburn Mountainview slowed Silas just enough.

“Silas is a scrappy team, they played a tough zone where we struggled against,” said coach Cait Doherty. “Our tenacity on defense helped make little runs here and there. They slash through our setup and get to the hoop. We got into foul trouble a little bit early, but we figured it out just in time. Silas played a great game from start to finish, it was a nailbiter all the way to end.”

Senior Maliyah Elliott got the ball rolling for Auburn Mountainview as she got into rhythm and hit a couple of three-pointers in the fourth quarter. She also came away with six steals and four assists.

Freshman Iliayah Wallis-Caw scored 14 and grabbed nine rebounds as well.

The Lions will wait to find out who their opponent is as the Todd Beamer-Spanaway Lake game was postponed until Wednesday, February 15.

AMV: 10-13-10-15--48

S: 13-6-14-11--44

Scoring: (AMV) Maliyah Elliott 15, Iliayah Wallis-Caw 14, Maddie Shaw 8, Malie Roberts 6

NO. 8 GIG HARBOR 55, NO. 9 PRAIRIE 37

The Tides put together a consistent, solid game against the Falcons where senior Riley Peschek had a big offensive night.

Leading all scores with 25, and grabbing 24 rebounds as well, Peschek was aided by junior Taylor Schwab scoring 17. Together, both players outscored Prairie.

“A win like this is good because we haven’t played great,” said coach Mike Guinasso. “We reiterate that we want them to be on the upswing right now. We want to play five good games in a row. This is the best team we’ve had since I’ve been here, the girls are together no matter what.”

The win moves Gig Harbor further into the consolation bracket, and into a matchup against 3A SSC rival ;p;

GH: 14-18-15-8--55

P: 4-8-17-8--37

Scoring: (GH) Kaliyah Miller 4, Olivia Paul 3, Taylor Schwab 17, Alex Ferrier 6, Riley Peschek 25; (P) Claire Smith 7, Emma Smith 6, August Kissinger 6, Natalie Coughran 1, Halle Lovejoy 3, Madison Clouse 8, Joely Renk 6

2A

STEILACOOM 51, LINDBERGH 31

Steilacoom knocked Lindbergh out of the District 2/3 bracket and kept hope alive for a run to the state tournament.

What fueled it?

“Teamwork,” said Sentinels coach Russell Ivy of his group’s 20-point victory. “We had our defensive pressure on (them), which caused a lot turnovers and allowed us to get some easy baskets.”

The Sentinels are two wins away from securing a trip to the WIAA Hardwood Classic next month. Steilacoom must first defeat SPSL-rival Clover Park on the road Thursday and then win Saturday’s fifth-place game in the district bracket to advance.

Junior guard Cathy Bird paced Steilacoom with 13 points and junior Bella Brady added 12.

A pair of Sentinel freshmen — Kimori Douglass and Ina McCloud — tallied eight and seven points, respectively.

Steilacoom snagged 42 total rebounds.

WHITE RIVER 44, NORTH KITSAP 19

White River’s convincing victory punched a state-tournament ticket and lifted the Hornets into Friday’s district semifinal.

White River swarmed North Kitsap’s offense early and often, allowing just eight points in the opening half. They trotted to the home lockers up 26-8 at halftime and maintained the margin throughout.

The Hornets meet Renton at Highline High School on Thursday; tipoff is to be determined. The winner advances to Saturday’s District 2/3 title game at North Mason High School.

ENUMCLAW 48, SAMMAMISH 41

The Hornets are buzzing to state.

A seven-point win on Tuesday night at Enumclaw High School put them back at next month’s WIAA Hardwood Classic.

The win also pushes Enumclaw to the District 2/3 semifinal, now guaranteed one of five state allocations. The Hornets meet a Sequim-Clover Park winner at Highline High School on Feb. 16.

Enumclaw fell to Prosser in the opening round of last year’s state bracket, 75-55.

OLYMPIC 38, FIFE 29

Olympic held off fellow-Trojan Fife at home on Tuesday night to remain in state contention and advance in the District 2/3 bracket.

Fife’s season ended after a fifth-place finish in the 2A SPSL.

Olympic can secure a state allocation with consecutive wins on Feb. 16 and 18. Up first is a road meeting at Sammamish.

SEQUIM 65, CLOVER PARK 30

The District 2/3 tournament’s top seed handled Clover Park and secured a state allocation, showcasing its potential for a deep run in next month’s WIAA Hardwood Classic.

Clover Park remains in state contention, too — but the Timberwolves need consecutive wins on Thursday and Saturday to advance.

1A

NO. 1 BELLEVUE CHRISTIAN 43, NO.4 CASCADE CHRISTIAN 33

The Vikings edged out their 1A Nisqually league rival for the third time in a row this season, by the smallest margin of victory of all three games.

Although it’s not impossible, the Cougars have to win their way against Annie Wright to advance to the state tournament.

NO. 3 LIFE CHRISTIAN 44, NO. 2 ANNIE WRIGHT 39

The Eagles narrowly escaped, but still got the upset win over the Golden Gators. The win gives Life Christian a 2-1 series win against Annie Wright.

However, their season is not done yet.

The Eagles advanced to the District 3 1A Girls Basketball tournament, where they will meet up against Bellevue Christian. For them, it’s in and get into the state tournament.

However, the loser of that matchup has to face the winner of the Cascade Christian-Annie Wright matchup for their chance to make it to state.

TUESDAY’S BASKETBALL SCORES

2A GIRLS

North Mason 50, Orting 40

Foster 53, Bremerton 46

Renton 44, Port Angeles 42

FEB. 15

BOYS BASKETBALL

4A

NO. 7 SUMNER 61, NO. 15 BATTLE GROUND 55

Although they entered the second quarter trailing by a single point, the Spartans found their mojo and kept their season alive behind seniors Kaden Katsberg and Jaivion McLaughlin, and junior Cooper Miller.

The Sumner offense went off in the second quarter, outscoring Battle Ground 19-9 for a 32-23 halftime score. Battle Ground fought back as their twin juniors Tait and Trey Spencer went for 24 and 22 points respectively. However, the Spartan defense held off the rally in the end.

The Sumner offense went through their big three as Katsberg led Sumner with 15 points, McLaughlin had 14, and Miller had 13.

BG: 14-9-16-16--55

S: 13-19-8-21--61

Scoring: (S) Jaivion McLaughlin 14, Karl Liedtk 6, Kaden Katsberg 15, Jaylen Hyppa 2, Cooper Miller 13, Eli Nordling 8, Cooper Hartley 3; (BG) Todd Copper 2, Ty Robertson 2, Tait Spencer 24, Noah Currie 5, Trey Spencer 22

NO. 9 UNION 55, NO. 8 KENTRIDGE 47

The Titans outlasted the Chargers in the consolation bracket of the District 3 4A Tournament.

Kentridge’s loss ends their season at 17-6.

NO. 6 TAHOMA 61, NO. 11 KENTWOOD 53

The two 4A SPSL rivals met in a loser-go-home scenario and it lived up to the billing. After a tie at 15 in the first quarter, the Bears jumped out to a 29-23 lead entering halftime.

After Kentwood battled to make it a closer game, Tahoma capped the third quarter with an 8-0 run that gave them their permanent lead.

Senior Kevin Williams led in scoring for the Bears as he had a 16-point night that included four 3-pointers. Juniors Jayden Stephens, Dalton Brown and Carter Stonerock had 14, 13, and 10, respectively.

The Conquerors’ sophomore Corey Tita led all scores with 19 and freshman Brandon Tagle had 10. Their season ends at 12-11.

T: 15-14-14-18--61

KW: 15-8-16-14--53

Scoring: (T) Kevin Williams 16, Jayden Stephens 14, Dalton Brown 13, Carter Stonerock 10; (KW) Corey Tita 19, Brandon Tagle 10

3A

NO. 8 NORTH THURSTON 69, NO. 9 KELSO 47

Junior Ray Adams had a big night for the Rams. Not only did he go 11-for-14 from the floor on his way to 23 points, he also nabbed 14 rebounds to get himself a double-double. He also had six blocks, six assists, and five steals.

Backing up Adams was teammate senior Thad Tenkley with 21 points in the game.

For the Hilanders, junior Hayden Yore was their leading scorer with 22 points. Senior Ethan Mitchell chipped 10.

K: 10-13-13-14--47

NT: 15-16-18-20--69

Scoring: (NT) Thad Tenkley 21, Micah Gentry 6, Jackson Lusk 8, Julian Lee 2, Ray Adams 23, Ahren Bee-Richards 8, Ahmari Steplight 1; (K) Michael Henderson 7, Easton Marshall 4, Hayden Yore 22, Ethan Mitchell 10, Payton Stewart 4

MOUNTAIN VIEW 54, CAPITAL 49

Mountain View’s home win pushed the Thunder closer to state contention and eliminated Capital from the District 3/4 bracket on Wednesday night.

Mountain View hosts North Thurston on Friday night in a winner-to-state contest. That game’s loser can advance to state with a win Saturday.

TODD BEAMER 74, LINCOLN 62

No. 11 Todd Beamer completed the upset, knocking off No. 3 Lincoln to advance in the District 3/4 bracket.

The Titans are one win away from a state berth. Beamer can clinch with a victory Friday night over Stadium or, in the event of a loss, clinch Saturday.

Lincoln’s second loss in the district tournament eliminated the Abes from state contention.

STADIUM 58, SILAS 57

Stadium’s one-point win kept their season alive and spoiled Silas’ chance at a state berth on Wednesday night.

The Tigers are one win from securing a state allocation. Stadium hosts Todd Beamer on Friday night, with a trip to the WIAA Hardwood Classic on the line.

2A

NO. 1 RENTON 80, NO. 8 WHITE RIVER 44

The Hawks jumped out to a large 23-16 lead after the first quarter and never looked back against the Hornets.

Sophomore Dennis Johnson led all of Renton’s scores with 24 points, and junior Ajayi Simmons had 22 as well. Freshman Marques Ili-Meneese chipped in 11.

White River’s leading scorer was junior Colin Schmidtke with 14 points. The Hornets are still alive in the 2A district tournament, however they have to face league rival Steilacoom in the consolation round.

WR: 16-6-11-11--44

R: 23-21-15-21--80

Scoring: (R) Dennis Johnson 24, De’Rai Taylor 8, Marc Pasag 4, Jordan Agosto 6, Carlos Clark 2, Ajayi Simmons 22, Marques Ili-Meneese 11, Isaiah Spear 2; (WR) Logan Senon 10, Jacob Du 2, Greg Schmitz 9, Colin Schmidtke 14, Tyce Donovan 5, Sawyer Bloom 2, Rylan Ramos 2

NO. 2 NORTH KITSAP 60, NO. 7 CLOVER PARK 44

The Vikings were all over the Timberwolves in their matchup in the district tournament.

Clover Park is now forced into the consolation bracket where they will take on Sequim in a loser-out game on Friday, February 17.

NO. 3 ENUMCLAW 53, NO. 6 PORT ANGELES 44

The Hornets outlasted the Roughriders and clinched a spot in the 2A state tournament.

Enumclaw’s win puts them in the district semifinals where they will take on North Kitsap.

NO. 5 SAMMAMISH 55, NO. 4 FOSS 52

The Redhawks’ huge third quarter helped push them ahead of the Falcons and send them to the 2A district semifinals.

Senior Zak Abdulkadir for Sammamish led all scores with 28 points, and he was instrumental in the big third quarter for the Redhawks. He put his team on his back and scored 14 of the 19 points they scored in that quarter.

Foss’ senior Jamie Killian-Howard scored 22 for his team, but his valiant effort was not enough.

The loss sends the Falcons to take on Bremerton in the consolation bracket, where they will be faced with a tougher path to the state tournament.

F: 12-17-8-15--52

S: 10-11-19-15--55Scoring: (S) Stanislav Bychkar 1, Levi Paskett 5, Zak Abdulkadir 28, Adi Suskic 4, Keith Kariuki 4, Rakin Showki 13; (F) Keshawn Lewis 5, Jamie Killian-Howard 22, Nathaniel Campbell 4, Saed Dobashi 13, Aiden Finley 2, Kasey Williams 2, Ahmir Goins 2, Ideaz Carson 2

NO. 9 STEILACOOM 63, NO. 16 OLYMPIC 37

The Sentinels had no problem taking on the Trojans, as they cruised past them for the win.

Steilacoom’s win sends them up their path on the consolation bracket and they will clash against 2A SPSL rival White River in their next game.

NO. 11 FRANKLIN PIERCE 81, NO. 14 HIGHLINE 41

Junior Mason Thomas and sophomore Javon Barbee combined for 54 points for the Cardinals, enough to have beaten the Pirates themselves.

Thomas scored 31 and Barbee had 23 points. Barbee also grabbed 13 rebounds for a double-double on the night.

The only Highline player to eclipse double digit points was senior Rubin Humbert with 11 points.

FP: 29-20-21-11--81

H: 6-15-12-8--41

Scoring: (FP) Amaar Coleman 11, Javon Barbee 23, Abinadi Semeli 2, Mason Thomas 31, Seth Starkey 6, Jordan Disney 2, Hezekiah Weekly 2, Hakeen Collins 4; (H) Marquawn McCraney 6, Omar AliAbdi 3, Rubin Humbert 11, Mohamed Aliabdi 2, Corey Crossby 5, Marcus Moss 4, Ebrima Hren 2, Jaylen Simpson 2, Charles Brown 6

GIRLS BASKETBALL

4A

NO. 8 DECATUR 51, NO. 9 UNION 48

The Gators held on against the Titans as they had three players score in double digits. Seniors Mandi Pham scored 11, and Lani McConville scored 12, and junior Kaira Creary scored 11.

Decatur held on to outscore Union in every quarter, except for the third quarter where the Gators were outscored 16-11.

For the Titans, freshman Brooklyn Hayward was their leading scorer with 19 points. Decatur’s win eliminates Union and sets up a date against Bellarmine Prep.

D: 10-14-11-16--51

U: 8-12-16-12--48

Scoring: (D) Tamairah Allen 2, Mandi Pham 11, Keona Mitchell 2, Lani McConville 12, Kaira Creary 11, Iyanna Waltar 4, Jeralynn Sevaaetasi 4, Dream Mika 5; (U) Hanna Summers 4, Rowyn Riley 9, Eliana Fleming 2, Brooklyn Hayward 19, Ava Smith 10, Alexandria Yelverton 4

3A

NO. 5 NORTH THURSTON 50, NO. 1 PENINSULA 39

Having split the season series already against the Seahawks this season, the Rams took the rubber match. This time in the semifinals of the District 3 3A Tournament.

Playing behind some stellar defense, North Thurston players like sophomore Grace Richardson were able to stall out Peninsula’s junior Kaylia Heidelberg.

Heidelberg was slowed just enough to only get 18 points on the night.

“We had some stellar defense, we put Grace on Heidelberg and she did a great job preventing the three-point shots,” said coach Jackie Meyer. “We did not put on too much pressure. We went to a man defense instead of a zone defense. We also did a great job crashing the boards. This win is a big deal, it’s a huge milestone for the school and the girls are playing with pride.”

Not to be outscored by Heidelberg, North Thurston’s sophomore Soraya Ogaldez scored 19 on the night. Behind her was junior Sadie Tanner with 14.

The win places the Rams in the district championship where they will take on Lincoln at 6 p.m. Saturday, February 18 at Auburn High School.

NT: 7-14-11-18--50

P: 11-8-5-15--39

Scoring: (NT) Soraya Ogaldez 19, Sadie Tanner 14, Alexis Meyer 6 (11 rebounds); (P) Kaylia Heidelberg 18, Grace Richardson 8, Daisy Peay 7

NO. 14 SPANAWAY LAKE 63, NO. 7 TODD BEAMER 50

The Sentinels got the big win Wednesday night, as they got one step closer to making it to the 3A state tournament.

By eliminating the Titans, Spanaway Lake sets themselves up for a matchup against Auburn Mountainview in a loser-goes-home game.

FEB. 16

BOYS BASKETBALL

3A

GIG HARBOR 58, TIMBERLINE 54 (OT)

The Tides rolled over the bracket’s top seed, upending No. 1 Timberline in overtime to advance to Saturday’s District 3/4 championship game.

Gig Harbor trailed early -- they posted just four points in the opening quarter -- but recovered to force five extra minutes.

“We stuck to our game plan even though it wasn’t going well early,” Tides coach Billy Landram said. “And I think it started to come to fruition... what we had envisioned.”

Senior guard Christian Parrish “stepped up” for the Tides and dropped a game-high 22, out-dueling Timberline guard and UNLV commit Brooklyn Hicks (21).

The win avenges Gig Harbor’s only two regular-season losses all year — both by Timberline on Dec. 10 and Jan. 25.

It was also Gig Harbor’s second overtime win in as many games this tournament. The fifth-seeded Tides beat No. 4 Mountain View in such fashion on Feb. 11, 70-67, in the opening round. That win secured a state berth.

Gig Harbor advances to Saturday’s district title game at Auburn High School, meeting either Auburn or Auburn Mountainview at 4 p.m.

Timberline will play for third place district honors on Saturday at Auburn High School, part of a doubleheader. Their state ticket is already punched; the Blazers secured a berth to the WIAA Hardwood Classic with a win over No. 11 North Thurston on Feb. 11.

BOX SCORE (OT)

GH: 4-14-16-14—58 (10)

T: 13-12-11-12—54 (6)

Scoring: (GH) Christian Parrish 22, Will Landram 12; (T) Brooklyn Hicks 21, Kenyon Simmons 12

NO. 2 AUBURN 52, No. 7 AUBURN MOUNTAINVIEW 37

The saying is that it is hard to bear a team three times in a season. The Trojans must not have gotten the memo as they defeated their 3A NPSL rival Lions for the third time this season.

Outsourcing Auburn Mountainview 20-6 in the first quarter, Auburn gave themselves a comfortable lead to work with for the rest of the game. Pair that with a rock solid defense that forced tough shots by the Lions, and that’s how the Trojans won.

Leading Auburn in scoring was senior Tyrell Nichols with 15 points for the Trojans. Sophomore Jaylen Petty hit 12 points and senior Semaj Brown knocked in 11 as well.

Senior Jamaal Elliott was the Lions’ top scorer with 15 as well.

Both teams already have a berth in the 4A state playoffs, but Auburn will play for the district championship against Gig Harbor.

That means that Auburn Mountainview will play against Timberline.

A: 20-12-7-13--52

AMV: 6-9-8-14--37

Scoring: (A) Tyrell Nichols 15, Luven Valcin 7, Semaj Brown 11, Jaylen Petty 12, Easton Rutledge 4; (AMV) Mande Wanlemvo 11, Jamaal Elliott 15, Gamard Arius\u00092, Sebastian Arius

2A

RIDGEFIELD 54, BLACK HILLS 30

Ridgefield punched its state ticket in Thursday’s winner-to-state, loser-out victory over Black Hills.

Black Hills dug an early hole, generating only four points in the opening quarter. Their season ends.

The Spudders took advantage; Ridgefield led by nine at halftime and posted a game-best 19 points in the final frame to seal Thursday’s win.

The victory secured a third-place finish in the District 4 bracket.

BOX SCORE

BH: 4-10-10-6–30

R: 12-13-10-19—54

TUMWATER 68, WOODLAND 43

A lopsided second quarter put the T-Birds in control, and Tumwater cruised to a fourth-place District 4 finish in Thursday’s win over Woodland.

The victory at Mark Morris High School ends Woodland’s season and hands Tumwater the district’s final state allocation. The T-Birds will compete in the WIAA Hardwood Classic beginning Feb. 24.

BOX SCORE

W: 14-6-13-10—43

T: 17-22-17-12—68

GIRLS BASKETBALL

2A

RENTON 49, WHITE RIVER 45

As contested and competitive as the neighboring seeds suggest, No. 3 Renton outlasted No. 2 White River in Thursday night’s District 2/3 semifinal.

The Redhawks will play for the district title. Renton meets either No. 4 Enumclaw or No. 1 Sequim at North Mason High School on Saturday. Tip-off is set for 6 p.m.

The Hornets won’t hoist the district trophy, though a state title remains in play. White River’s first-round win over North Kitsap on Tuesday clinched a trip to the WIAA Hardwood Classic beginning Feb. 24.

BOX SCORE (H)

R: 26-23—49

WR: 27-18–45

NO. 1 SEQUIM 60, NO. 4 ENUMCLAW 55

The Hornets played two different halves against the Wolves, one where they dominated and one where they were dominated.

The first half saw Enumclaw out score Sequim 30-25 and essentially stand up to the bullies of this tournament and hold their own. The Hornets forced Sequim to take tough shots, and try to take away the space in the lanes.

However, the second half is where Enumclaw started to struggle as they racked up more and more personal/team fouls. In fact, Hornets’ leading scorer senior Charlee Torgison (18 points on the night) fouled out of the game with six minutes left to go.

Enumclaw had a chance down by three with seconds left on the clock, but their other big drive stopper struck: the turnover. After turning the ball over to the Wolves, the Hornets had to foul and lose the game by five.

Senior Bella Firnkoess scored 11 and junior Natalie DeMarco also scored 11.

E: 14-16-12-13--55

S: 8-13-18-21--60

Scoring: (E) Natalie DeMarco 11, Kaylee Swanson 6, Marissa Lindberg 2, Charlee Torgison 18, Gabi Martel 2, Bella Firnkoess 11, Gwenny Harderson 5

1A

ANNIE WRIGHT 62, CASCADE CHRISTIAN 33

The Gators are one win from punching a state ticket.

Annie Wright kept its season alive on Thursday night, beating Cascade Christian in a District 3 loser-out contest at Mount Tahoma High School.

Annie Wright meets Life Christian in a winner-to-state, loser-out contest on Saturday at 12:45 p.m.

FEB. 17

BOYS BASKETBALL

2A

ENUMCLAW 56, NORTH KITSAP 49

The Hornets will play for a chance to hoist the District 2/3 trophy.

Enumclaw grabbed a first-quarter lead and never let go. Junior wing Karson Holt posted a team-best 16 points, and the Hornets toppled North Kitsap in Friday’s district semifinal.

“Our guys are really close, and they’re really committed to each other,” Enumclaw coach Terry Johnson said after the win. “Just to be able to do this together... it’s been a great journey.

“We’ve got great kids, and they really love playing for each other.”

Senior guard Noah Seabrands added 14 points. North Kitsap’s Cade Orness led all scorers with 24.

Both programs clinched state berths with first-round wins on Wednesday.

Enumclaw meets the neighboring semifinal’s winner -- Sammamish or Renton -- at North Mason High School on Saturday. Tip off is set for 4 p.m.

BOX SCORE

E: 13-16-8-19–56

NK: 8-14-7-20—49

Scoring: (E) Karson Holt 16, Noah Seabrands 14, Liam Leonard 9; (NK) Cade Orness 24, Harry Davies 14, Ethan Gillespie 9

RENTON 71, SAMMAMISH 48

The bracket’s top seed toppled Sammamish and advanced to the District 2/3 championship on Saturday.

Renton’s ensuing opponent at North Mason High School: three-seed Enumclaw. Saturday’s district-title tipoff is set for 4 p.m.

Renton, Sammamish, and Enumclaw all clinched state berths on Wednesday.

GIRLS BASKETBALL

4A

OLYMPIA 54, KENTRIDGE 38

A trio of Bears scored a dozen or more and Olympia toppled Kentridge to clinch a state berth on Friday night.

The win over Decatur marked consecutive wins for the Bears, needed after a first-round loss to Tahoma on Feb. 10.

For 27 straight years, the program missed out on the state stage. Olympia snapped that drought with an appearance at the WIAA Hardwood Classic last season.

Now, make it two years back in the ‘Sweet 16.’

“To be one of the 16 teams that are still practicing on Monday, I think that’s pretty special,” Bears coach Dustin Workman said. “I think that says a lot about our girls.”

Senior guard Hannah Berschauer posted a game-high 15 points; Taylor Whaley tallied 14 and Lauren Wolin added 12.

Olympia created open looks and jumped to an early lead, aided by stout defense on the opposite end. The Bears led by eight at halftime and padded that cushion in the fourth with a team-high 19.

Kentridge’s Sydney Esperanza, a junior guard, posted a team-best 14 points.

Kentridge visits Decatur for a winner-to-state, loser-out contest on Saturday.

First-round state selections are announced Sunday morning, Workman said.

“We’re a good defensive team,” Workman added. “And if we can just continue to build on that, and hopefully get a little more efficient on offense, I think we could surprise somebody.”

BOX SCORE

KR: 12-9-6-11—38

O: 18-11-6-19—54

Scoring: (O) Hannah Berschauer 15, Taylor Whaley 14, Lauren Wolin 12, Natalia McBride 9, Lauren Juergens 4; (KR) Sydney Esperanza 14, Trinity Schanbeck 12, Andrea Pop 6, Tia Schanbeck 4, Jaya Brown 2

BELLARMINE PREP 64, DECATUR 37

The Lions are going back to the Hardwood Classic.

Friday’s win over Decatur secured fifth-place in the District 3/4 bracket. Bellarmine snags one of seven available state allocations, to boot.

Decatur can secure a state berth with a win over Kentridge on Saturday.

3A

GIG HARBOR 50, CENTRAL KITSAP 41

Gig Harbor’s state ticket is officially punched.

The Tides knocked off league-rival Central Kitsap to finish fifth in the District 3/4 bracket and secure a trip to the WIAA Hardwood Classic.

The win was Gig Harbor’s third over the Cougars season. The Tides swept aside Central Kitsap in a two-game season series, first on Dec. 14 and again on Jan. 20.

Central Kitsap can join the Tides on a trip to the state bracket with a win over Spanaway Lake on Saturday.

AUBURN MOUNTAINVIEW 69, SPANAWAY LAKE 23

The Lions suffered a first-round upset but rebounded for consecutive wins in the District 3/4 bracket to secure a state berth on Friday night.

Auburn Mountainview’s convincing win secured a fifth-place finish in the tournament and ensures a trip to the WIAA regional round beginning Feb. 21.

The Lions fell to Bonney Lake, 67-63, in a first-round contest on Feb. 10 that sent the winner directly to state. Auburn Mountainview needed Tuesday’s 48-44 win over Silas and Friday’s win to advance.

Spanaway Lake can punch a state ticket with a win over Central Kitsap on Saturday.

SATURDAY (FEB. 18)

BOYS BASKETBALL

4A

SUMNER 53, EMERALD RIDGE 49

Sumner can safely exhale a sigh of relief — the Spartans are headed to the state tournament.

Despite an opening-round loss to Federal Way last week, Sumner survived in two loser-out contests to clinch a state berth. Saturday’s four-point win over Emerald Ridge punched the ticket.

Sumner first appears in the regional round. First-round matchups are announced Sunday. Regional winners take to the Tacoma Dome on March 1.

FEDERAL WAY 83, CAMAS 49

Federal Way cruised to a win over Camas at Curtis High School on Saturday, securing a third-place finish in the 4A District 3/4 tournament.

Camas finishes fourth. Both the Eagles and Papermakers clinched state berths in first-round wins Feb. 11.

3A

TIMBERLINE 62, AUBURN MOUNTAINVIEW 52

The Blazers leaned on 20 points from star guard Brooklyn Hicks and beat the Lions to finish third in the District 3/4 tournament.

Hicks stuffed Saturday’s stat sheet at Auburn High School. The UNLV commit snagged nine rebounds, dished six assists, and added three steals.

Junior wing Darell Gipson posted a 14-point double-double with as many rebounds. Second-year wing Kenyon Simmons added nine points.

Both Timberline and Auburn Mountainview secured berths to the state tournament — which tips off on Feb. 24 — after first-round district wins on Feb. 11.

Scoring: (T) Brooklyn Hicks 20, Darell Gipson 14, Kenyon Simmons 9, Alex Tichenor 8, Cedric Ragland 6

2A

SAMMAMISH 73, NORTH KITSAP 64

North Kitsap dug a first-quarter hole that proved too deep to climb, and Sammamish grabbed third-place honors in the District 2/3 bracket.

The Redhawks flew away in the first eight minutes on a 16-2 run. Sammamish guard Zak Abdulkadir posted a team-high 25 points; Levi Paskett added 15.

North Kitsap’s Harry Davies dropped a game-best 29 points. The junior guard added four three-pointers, per Scorebook Live.

Both programs punched state tickets Wednesday and will appear in the regional round on Feb. 24. Matchups will be announced Sunday.

BOX SCORE

S: 16-16-20-21–73

NK: 2-19-20-23—62

Scoring: (S) Zak Abdulkadir 25, Levi Paskett 15, Keith Kariuki 12; (NK) Harry Davies 29, Cade Orness 15, Jalen East 10

CLOVER PARK 58, PORT ANGELES 53

The Timberwolves are going to the state tournament.

Clover Park outlasted Port Angeles on Saturday, good for fifth in the District 2/3 bracket and one of six available state allocations.

The win sends Clover Park to the state’s regional round, which tips off Feb. 24. First-round matchups are announced Sunday.

GIRLS BASKETBALL

4A

EMERALD RIDGE 39, SUMNER 33

Emerald Ridge avenged a loss in Wednesday’s district semifinals and upended Sumner, the bracket’s top seed, in Saturday’s third-place game.

Tied after three quarters, the Jaguars held Sumner to five points in the final eight minutes. Emerald Ridge led by five at halftime.

Both programs are off to state; Emerald Ridge and Sumner’s first-round wins on Feb. 10 clinched berths in the regional round on Feb. 24-25.

DECATUR 48, KENTRIDGE 41

Decatur toppled Kentridge in Saturday’s winner-to-state, loser-out meeting on its home floor.

The Gators are going to state despite a first-round loss to Sumner, the bracket’s top seed. Decatur survived a loser-out contest over Union on Feb. 15 and won again Saturday to punch a state ticket.

The regional round of the state tournament begins Feb. 24. Opening matchups are to be determined and are announced Sunday.

A regional win would put Kentridge in the Tacoma Dome on March 1.

3A

CENTRAL KITSAP 67, SPANAWAY LAKE 62

From the tournament’s first round, Central Kitsap battled through loser-out contests to keep its season alive.

But on Saturday, the Cougars clinched a state berth anyway.

In an encapsulating winner-to-state, loser-out contest over Spanaway Lake, Central Kitsap secured seventh place in the District 3/4 tournament and earned the last of as many state allocations.

Spanaway Lake’s season ends after a valiant run through the district bracket. The No. 14 Sentinels upset No. 11 Auburn Riverside to stay alive on Feb. 10, and in another shocker, eliminated No. 7 Todd Beamer on Feb. 14.

BONNEY LAKE 44, PENINSULA 39

Bonney Lake’s win over the Seahawks earned a third-place finish in the District 3/4 tournament.

Peninsula finished fourth. Both programs clinched state berths, which tips off in the regional round Feb. 21.

Seahawks senior forward Brooke Zimmermann posted a team-best 14 points. Sophomore guard Grace Richardson tallied 10.

Scoring: (P) Brooke Zimmermann 14, Grace Richardson 10, Kaylia Heidelberg 7, Sophia Casello 4, Daisy Peay 4

2A

WHITE RIVER 53, ENUMCLAW 38

Last week, Enumclaw stripped away White River’s undefeated status in the 2A SPSL in a regular-season finale. The win put both teams, atop the standings, together.

Today, White River got revenge. In a double-digit win at North Mason High School, Vivian Kingston posted a team-high 16 points and guided the Hornets to a third-place finish in the District 2/3 bracket.

Kingston added 15 rebounds — good for a double-double, per Scorebook Live. White River ended the first half on a 15-4 run, which helped turn an early deficit into a six-point halftime lead.

Enumclaw never made up the ground. They finish fourth in the bracket, joining White River as two of six teams representing the district in the state bracket.

BOX SCORE

E: 15-9-10-4—38

WR: 10-20-12-11—53

Scoring: (WR) Vivian Kingston 16, Ava Bright 12; (E) Charlee Torgison 13

SAMMAMISH 60, STEILACOOM 23

Sammamish faltered in the tournament’s opening round but recovered for consecutive wins, earning the district’s final state allocation Saturday.

Steilacoom (9-5, 13-9) battled from the loser’s bracket, piling wins over Lindbergh on Feb. 14 and league-rival Clover Park on Thursday. Their season ends one game shy of the state tournament after a fourth-place finish in the 2A SPSL.

This story was originally published February 14, 2023 at 10:51 AM.