2A Girls State: Lynden Powers Past Rapids Into Semis

Even as his Lynden girls basketball team took another step toward winning its second straight Class 2A state title, coach Rob Adams made it clear it wasn’t about defending last year’s state championship as much as it is this year’s group making its own history.

“Last year, we were the darlings … that’s what we did last year,” said Adams after this year’s team advanced into the semifinals with a dominating 59-20 victory over Columbia River on Thursday, March 6, in the Yakima SunDome.

“This year, our kids have handled expectations. We’ve embraced it. It’s about what this group has accomplished.”

So far they’ve accomplished everything possible. They are unbeaten in 26 games, ranked No.1, and headed into Friday’s semifinal at 7:15 p.m. against a tough Prosser squad. And even with unbeaten Deer Park and unbeaten Ellensburg still in the field, the Lions remain the favorite — and the target.

“We call it AEOU … all eyes on you,” said Adams of the attention the team has gotten. “We aren’t going to run and hide. You can’t hide when you play for Lynden. We’re not going to shy from it.”

There was nothing shy about Lynden’s thumping of Columbia River on Thursday. Using their trademark defense, the Lions forced 32 turnovers and held the Rapids to a season-low point total.

The lead was 15-3 after the first quarter — “We emphasized getting off to a quick start,” said Adams — 20 after the second quarter, and 30 after three quarters.

Lynden got the usual offensive production from its all-staters — sophomore guard Finley Parcher and junior post Payton Mills. Parcher had 22 points, making 10 of 14 shots from the field, and even earned the team’s sportsmanship medallion. Mills had 15 points. Senior Kiki York added 6 points, making all three of her shots, and sophomore Lexi Hermanutz had 5 points.

But what got Adams excited was the energy provided by the Electric Company, his nickname for the seven reserves who provide energy off the bench. Nine different Lions scored, and every substitute played more than seven minutes so none of the starters had to play even 20 minutes.

“The Electric Company has to play well for us to do that,” said Adams. “For many of them, this was a new experience on the biggest stage. That was the highlight for me. Those seven kids doing what they do. Tonight, everybody else got to see what we see all the time (in practice).”

Lynden 59, Columbia River 20

Columbia River 3 7 5 5—20

Lynden 15 15 15 14—59

Columbia River: Olivia Carroll, Camy Drake 3, Charmayne Castro, Raegan Dukes, Mikayla King 3, Braidee Goodwin, Kalea Butcher-Nguyen, Kaya Mirtich 2, Avi Desjarlais 2, Marley Myers, Gacie Glavin 3, Peyton Dukes 7.

Lynden: Degitu Bowler 4, Lexi Hermanutz 5, Reese Nyhoff 1, Rihanna Newcomb, Jules Slayton, Rian Stephan 2, Izzie Stephan 2, Melanie Anderson, Kiki York 6, Finley Parcher 22, Audrey Basart 2, Payton Mills 15.

CLASS 2A GIRLS STATE TOURNAMENT

At Yakima SunDome

Wednesday, March 5

Prosser 71, Eatonville 24 (loser out)

Columbia River 38, Port Angeles 33 (loser out)

W.F. West 68, North Mason 32 (loser out)

Bainbridge 44, Woodland 40 (loser out)

Thursday, March 6

Prosser 68, Archbishop Murphy 49

Lynden 59, Columbia River 20

Deer Park 56, W.F. West 45

Ellensburg 63, Bainbridge 37