CASTLE ROCK — It took a record 3-point shooting performance but Forks was bounced out of the Class 2B Southwest District IV girls basketball tournament in a 67-45 loss to Rainier on Tuesday at Castle Rock High School.
The Mountaineers’ Faith Boesch set a district tournament and snapped her previous school record, nine, with 11 3-point baskets and 35 points in knocking out the Spartans (11-9).
“She had four in that second quarter and that was a real tough stretch for us,” coach David Hurn said. “We struggled with our press. It looked similar to the Onalaska game. We knew coming in that our job was to stop her, we just didn’t rotate enough or get a hand up when we needed to. Credit to her, a senior playing in a do-or-die game and she came through.”
Hurn said his team made some significant strides this season.
“We haven’t won two district games since I think the 2006-07 season, so it’s been a long time since we’ve gone this far,” Hurn said. “I’m disappointed that it ended here, but we will be back bigger and stronger.”
The Spartans return their core of Keira Johnson, Kadie Wood and Kyra Neel next season, but will graduate Candida-Rose Sandoval and Rylee Bouchard.
“I’ve had a lot of seniors that have been four-year starters and this year, Dida and Rylee have had to put the work in and earn their spots. And Dida and Rylee really put the work in for this program. They both started games for us this year and were big reasons for our success.”
Rainier 67, Forks 45
Rain. 14 23 12 18 — 67
Forks 7 7 13 18 — 45
Forks (45) — Wood 13, Johnson 10, Sandoval 8, Neel 4, Daniels 4, Wallerstedt 3, Wharton 2, Bouchard 1.
Sequim 54, Enumclaw 45
ENUMCLAW — The fifth-seeded Wolves controlled their road matchup with No. 4-seed Enumclaw from the opening tip, with steady team play keeping the margin between six and 10 points all game long as Sequim sealed a state regional berth.
“The girls played another good game. It’s been a tough journey but the girls are finding a way to get it done,” coach Joclin Julmist said.
Hannah Bates and Jolene Vaara led the way for Sequim.
Bates led the team in scoring with 20 points and also grabbed nine rebounds with three steals and an assist.
“Hannah Bates played very well tonight on both sides of the ball, making some clutch shots when we needed them,” Julmist said. “She was aggressive going to the basket and looking for her shot.”
Vaara posted a double-double with 12 points, 11 rebounds, four blocked shots, three steals and three assists.
“Jolene was solid on both sides of the ball,” Julmist said. “She is a special player for us. I love the way she plays. She never complains. She just goes out and works.”
Hannah Wagner added eight points, seven rebounds, two steals and an assist.
“Hannah Wagner was great on the defensive side guarding their best player and made a few threes for us,” Julmist said. “She was everywhere help side and getting back on defense. She sees the [game] differently, she’s always a step or two ahead defensively.
“Sammie Bacon played a lot tonight and gave us a huge spark, scoring eight points and grabbing six rebounds.”
The Wolves (18-3) visit Port Angeles (15-4) with a spot in the district championship game on the line tonight at 6 p.m.
Sequim 54, Enumclaw 45
Seq. 12 12 10 20 — 54
Enum. 8 7 11 19 — 45
Sequim (54) — Bates 20, Vaara 12, Bacon 8, Wagner 8, Stephens 5, Johnson 1, Green, Smith, Turella.
Neah Bay 83, Orcas Island 35
NEAH BAY — The Red Devils sealed a return to the Class 1B State regional round with a dominant tri-district win over the Vikings.
Neah Bay is No. 3 in the WIAA RPI, so a return to Spokane for the 1B state tournament is virtually assured.
Allie Greene sank six 3-pointers and scored 33 points with five assists and four steals to pace Neah Bay (11-2).
Amber Swan (12) and Ryana Moss (10) also hit double figures in scoring for the Red Devils.
Neah Bay will face Evergreen Lutheran in the tri-district semifinals at 3 p.m. today at Evergreen Lutheran.
In boys basketball action, Neah Bay was beaten 58-33 by Mount Vernon Christian.
The No. 5-seeded Red Devil boys will face No. 8 Grace Academy today at 4:30 p.m. in a loser-out tri-district contest at Evergreen Lutheran.
Neah Bay 83, Orcas Island 35
Orcas 9 17 1 8 — 35
NB 26 25 22 10 — 83
Neah Bay (83) — A. Greene 33, Swan 12, R. Moss 10, Ray 9, Aguirre 6, Q. Greene 6, Halttunen 5, C. Moss 2, Martin.
Orcas Island (35) — Ashcraft 17, Carter 9, Malo 5, Spinner 2, Mahoney-Jayrequi 2.
