1A Girls State: LC Ends With Win, Third-Place Trophy

The tears of disappointment were replaced by tears of sadness as the Lynden Christian girls basketball team ended its season on a winning note at the Class 1A state tournament in the Yakima SunDome.

The Lyncs earned their 20th straight trophy by taking third place with a 50-36 victory over Annie Wright on Saturday, March 8. The win came less than 24 hours after a heart-breaking, last-second loss in the semifinals that kept them out of the championship game.

“We emphasize that consolation games are about culture and character,” said Lynden Christian coach Brady, who knows a lot about both having won four state titles with the Lyncs.

“This group was willing to do whatever it took, to be stars in their roles, and everybody pitched in. For them to have the success that they’ve had … I’m really proud of them.”

There certainly was no doubt about the culture. Lynden Christian is the most successful girls basketball program in the state having won 14 state titles and placed 41 times in 44 state appearances. Not bad considering there have only been 49 state tournaments.

But it was the team’s character that was tested from the beginning of the season when they had to overcome the graduation of last year’s team leader and the loss of two key seniors due to season-ending injuries. Yet they did, finishing with a 23-4 record, the tournament’s top seed, and the program’s 18th straight top-four finish.

And they did it through togetherness. With no all-state stars, the Lyncs often used all 12 players and beat teams with depth and determination.

“This means the world to me,” senior Allison Shumate said of the third-place trophy. “It isn’t what we wanted, but I’m really proud of how we fought for something greater than ourselves. We showed that we’re always going to fight together, win or lose.”

Saturday was another example. Eight players had double-digit minutes and 11 played more than six minutes. Eight players scored, and all but one player had a rebound.

The senior class took the lead. Shumate blossomed into a low-post scoring machine and on Saturday she had 14 points. Danya Dykstra, who was a freshman on the 2022 state championship team, provided leadership on the court as well as 7 rebounds and 3 assists. And Alisa Scott, who transferred in this season, provided a spark off the bench on both offense and defense.

And let’s not forget the two bench warmers who never seemed to sit for long on the bench — seniors Grace Hintz and Makalie Tveter — who never got to play a minute because of injuries but who were the first ones up cheering all season long.

On Saturday, another veteran, junior Ella Fritts had 11 points and 7 rebounds, while tiny dynamo freshman Tyra Dykstra hit four more 3-pointers for 12 points.

It was two Tyra 3-pointers and a couple of Shumate buckets during a 17-2 run to end the first half that put LC in control and left Annie Wright with the fifth-place trophy.

Then why the tears of sadness? Because this was their last game together.

“They’re my best friends,” said Shumate. “I’ve grown up with them, and even Alisa feels like she’s been here forever. I love her. It means the world to do this with them.”

Danya Dykstra agreed: “We’re like family. I’m going to miss them a lot.”

For their efforts, Shumate and Danya Dykstra were named to the all-tournament second team.

Although the WIAA does not sanction all-tournament teams, in voting by media members, Kaleo Anderson of King’s was named the tournament’s most valuable player. Joining her on the first team were Kiana Skogstad and Olivia Reynolds of Bellevue Christian, Makenna Klitzke of Zillah, and Maddy Jewett of Naches Valley.

Joining Shumate and Dykstra on the second team were Cat Ellard of King’s, Camille Bates and Jasmine Andrisek of Annie Wright, and Bella Valadez of Zillah.

Lynden Christian 50, Annie Wright 36

Annie Wright 8 7 14 7—36

Lynden Christian 10 19 18 3—50

Annie Wright: Camille Bates 9, Niv Phillips, Avah Snodgrass, TDriity Moore 2, Aaliyeh 9, Seraphina Bacon, Elli Popochock, Jasmine Andrisck 16, Katya Defebaugh.

Lynden Christian: Danya Dykstra 3, Tyra Dykstra 12, Kortnee Tolsma, Estela Hernandez 3, Ella Fritts 11, Alisa Scott 1, Allison Shumate 14, Sara Van Loo, Kayla Yun 2, Ellie Pierce 4, Jocelyn Eshuis.

CLASS 1A GIRLS STATE TOURNAMENT

At Yakima SunDome

Wednesday, March 5

Zillah 78, Wapato 41 (loser out)

Cashmere 35, Montesano 28 (loser out)

Annie Wright 71, Lakeside (9 Mile) 57 (loser out)

Naches Valley 41, Nooksack Valley 37 (loser out)

Thursday, March 6

King’s 78, Zillah 68

Lynden Christian 45, Cashmere 32

Annie Wright 48, Seton Catholic 39

Bellevue Christian 45, Naches Valley 25