The Lummi Nation boys basketball team is headed back to the Class 1B state championship game for the first time since 2017 and the third time in school history.
The Blackhawks earned their spot in history by rallying to defeat Neah Bay, 49-45, in the semifinals on Friday, March 7, in the Spokane Arena.
They will take on top-seed Almira-Coulee-Hartline on Saturday at 5 p.m. The only time Lummi Nation won a state title was in 2015’s undefeated season.
On Friday, the Blackhawks had to figure out a way to win without a big offensive night from leading scorer Jerome Toby Jr., who was being heavily shadowed by the Neah Bay box-and-one defense. They would end up only managing three points in the first quarter before adjusting.
“Neah Bay had a great start and jumped out on us early,” said Lummi Nation coach Jerome Toby Sr., whose second-seeded team improved to 24-3. “Their defense on us was great.”
But so was the Blackhawks’ defense. Lummi Nation had beaten the Red Devils, 61-46, in the District 1/2/3 tournament final, and had another great defensive game against Neah Bay. It was especially true in the final period, which began with the teams tied at 31.
“We had guys make some plays in the fourth quarter,” said the coach.
By then, they’d also found the answer to their offensive struggles. Picking up the slack was sophomore Dyson Edwards, who made five 3-pointers and led the Blackhawks with 17 points. Senior Karon Revey added 10 points and played “great defense when we needed stops to get back in the game,” said Toby.
Sophomore Landon LaFontaine had 7 points, sophomore Deandre James had 6 points, and Toby had 5 points and 4 assists. The Blackhawks also benefitted from clutch free throw shooting, making 12 of 14 for the game.
“Our boys worked hard to get into the championship game, but they know it’s going to be a tough game against ACH,” said Toby.
The Warriors are 25-1, their only defeat coming to two-time defending state champion Wellpinit, a loss they avenged twice this season.
Edwards was awarded the team’s sportsmanship medallion for the game.
Lummi Nation 49, Neah Bay 45
Neah Bay 10 8 13 14—45
Lummi Nation 3 16 12 18—49
Neah Bay: Jodell Wimberly 10, Tommy Sawyer, Makyah Chambers 7, Daniel Cumming 4, Seactis Woodruff 8, LeAnthony Jimmicum, Tyler Swan 16, Mathias Greene.
Lummi Nation: Jerome Toby Jr. 5, Landon LaFontaine 7, Dyson Edwards 17, Tony Abrams, Trevon Lee 4, Karson Revey 10, Deandre James 6, Andrew Tangeant.
CLASS 1B BOYS STATE TOURNAMENT
At Spokane Arena
Wednesday, March 5
Tulalip Heritage 70, Summit Classical Christian 51 (loser out)
Moses Lake Christian/Covenant Christian 57, Muckleshoot Tribal 47 (loser out)
Neah Bay 58, Garfield-Palouse 47 (loser out)
Ocosta 48, Wellpinit 38 (loser out)
Thursday, March 6
DeSales 54, Tulalip Heritage 38
Almira-Coulee-Hartline 63, Moses Lake Christian/Covenant Christian 48
Neah Bay 50, Willapa Valley 44
Lummi Nation 67, Ocosta 27
Friday, March 7
Tulalip Heritage 67, Moses Lake Christian/Covenant Christian 54 (loser out)
Willapa Valley 51, Ocosta 46 (loser out)
Almira-Coulee-Hartline 64, DeSales 56
Lummi Nation 49, Neah Bay 45
Saturday, March 8
#6 Tulalip Heritage (22-5) vs. #3 Willapa Valley (23-3), 9:30 a.m. (winner fourth, loser sixth)
#4 DeSales (24-3) vs. #5 Neah Bay (20-6), 1 p.m. (winner third, loser fifth)
#2 Lummi Nation (24-3) vs. #1 Almira-Coulee-Hartline (25-1), 5 p.m. (winner first, loser second)
