SPOKANE — A fourth-quarter tidal wave of a scoring run by Neah Bay broke open a close game and pushed the Red Devils back to the Class 1B girls state basketball championship game for the third straight season after a 67-34 semifinal win over Crosspoint on Friday at the Spokane Arena.
Up 40-33 entering the fourth quarter, Neah Bay (21-2) was absolutely dominant to close the game, going on a 20-0 spurt over the first 6 minutes of the fourth— and finally allowing Crosspoint its first and only point of the fourth — a free throw — with 2:01 to go in a 27-1 final frame.
The Red Devils will play for the gold ball and a repeat state championship Saturday night at 9 p.m. against the winner of Friday night’s late game between Waterville-Manson and Mount Vernon Christian.
A Mount Vernon Christian win would set up the third straight state championship game between the Tri-District powerhouses.
Amber Swan led Neah Bay with 22 points, seven rebounds and six assists.
Ezrah Ray went 7-for-14 from the field and had 15 points, five rebounds and three steals after a tough shooting night in Wednesday’s win over Wilbur-Creston-Keller.
Neah Bay 67, Crosspoint 34
Crosspoint 14 7 12 1 — 34
Neah Bay 13 11 16 27 — 67
Crosspoint: A. Kuske 10, Tobosa 8, Iwata 7, Wasson 5, Ajanovic 4.
Neah Bay: Swan 22, Ray 15, R. Moss 8, Ce. Moss 8, Q. Greene 7, McGimpsey 3, Ca. Moss 2, A. Halttunen 2, D. Halttunen, Martin.
