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Power Couple: Interview w/ Camas State Champions Jax Purwins & Mark Kim

Camas, WA — High School sweethearts Jacqueline Purwins, a gymnast, and Mark Kim, a swimmer, did a rare thing last weekend: They helped lead their respective Camas High School athletic teams win back-to-back State Championships. Winning a State title is no small feat, let alone having it happen to two teams from the same school on the same weekend. Add to that, the sweetheart factor.

It was, for them, the perfect weekend.

The victories started Friday night, at the Tacoma Dome, as Carol Willson led her Gymnastics team to a historic victory over perennial champions from Woodinville. The girls finished strong in the bars event, which was enough to propel them over the top.

The winning announcement was euphoric, with the girls hugging and crying tears of joy.

”I’m still processing it,” said Jax, sitting down with a smile on her face at Caffe Piccolo in Downtown Camas. “Given our schedule this week with the holiday, and the snow days, I’ve had a lot of time to reflect.”

Moments later, her sweetheart, Mark, enters the cafe, proudly wearing his Papermaker sweatshirt.

Ever the reluctant interviewee, the talented and focused Mark, said the same thing.

”I’m still processing it,” said Mark, whose swim team has now won State for two consecutive years.

Jax has been in gymnastics since she was three, and worked her whole life for that moment last week.

Champions

The 2018 4A State Gymnastics Champions — from Camas High School!

“What I love about the sport is that you can never reach the top,” she said. “They’re always creating new skills, so if you add a new twist, you can get a new skill named after you.”

The sport has taken her to several other states, including Utah and Idaho, and she’s spent a lot of time in Seattle. She credits constant support from her family, which, she said is how she got this far.

At State finals, Jax said she knew what she had to do. The whole team did.

”Alissa’s routines were amazing,” she said. “I did my best, and so did everyone else. I didn’t know we’d win until bars.”

During competition, Jax said she ignores the scores. “I generally don’t look at the scores, and try to block everything out,” she said. “We’ve had a lot more fun this year with Shea, Alissa, and Lynn.”

Mark has been swimming for six years, and started making a name for himself by winning individual State titles, culminating in last year’s first-ever State team Championship for Camas. He’s fast, really fast, and so is his brother, Jaden.

The boys went into Saturday’s finals behind Kamiak, and knew they had to focus to bridge the gap and win the title again.

“We knew the situation we were in,” said Mark. “We didn’t really have to tell each other — we just knew what had to be done. Everyone did a great job!”

The boys climbed back, and before their last swim, they led by 50 points. Yes, they are that fast.

But, it’s also about focus.

Before every event, Mark puts on his headphones and gets in that “zone.” His mind is totally focused on the event in front of him.

“Without music, I don’t swim well,” he said. “At that moment, nothing else matters.”

So what does he listen to?

”Just two songs,” he said. “I play ‘Till I Collapse’ and ‘Lose Yourself’ by Eminem.”

Champions

The 2018 4A State Champions, from left: Luke Bales, Chris Xia, Austin Fogel, Mark Kim, Finn McClone, Eric Wu, Jaden Kim, Dave Peddie, and Brian Andrade.

He’s grown up in very focused Korean family — “no excuses, don’t ask why, and ‘no’ isn’t an answer is what my parents taught me,” he said.

”My parents pushed me beyond what we wanted to do,” said Mark. “It’s a non-stop grind. They taught me to never give up.”

The Jax/Mark relationship isn’t your typical one.  They’ve only “dated” four times, like going out to dinner or seeing a movie.

“Mostly, we just hang out and do homework together,” said Jax. “Or we walk the dog.”

They’ve known each since 5th grade, and there were some attractions in middle school, but they didn’t “date” until high school. They had lockers close to each other.

Jax stays busy with diving practices multiple times a week in Beaverton, while Mark also plays alto saxophone for the Camas Marching Band.

”He doesn’t sleep,” said Jax.

They are both very driven, and want to excel at everything they try.

Mark will attend Westpoint, starting in July. He wants to be a Mechanical Engineer, and will also swim for Westpoint. Jax hasn’t decided on a school just yet, but she wants to be an orthopedic surgeon.

They are both essential parts of two teams that made Papermaker history — which will be part of their legacy. And, they’re just getting started.

Like many alumni, we’ll follow up on their progress, they’ll still be hounded a little by the press, but for the moment, they are savoring what happened last week.

Two State Championships in one weekend. Yes, that really happened.

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Camas Magnet Program To Lend Assistance at Clark County Food Bank

Vancouver, WA — The Camas High School (CHS) Magnet Program is spending time next week for a “Night of Service” at the Clark County Food Bank to lend a helping hand.

“The February 27 service project is part of our program to instill a passion for service,” said Sam Greene, a CHS teacher, who also provides program support for the CHS Magnet program. “We will be doing food re-packaging and sorting at the Clark County Food Bank that evening.”

Last year, 60 kids spent several hours taking packaged food and preparing that food for individual family delivery, he said.

The Clark County Food Bank receives major shipments of food in boxes, which are delivered on pallets. They are always in need of volunteers to re-package and sort.

The Magnet volunteers receive instructions on how to prepare the boxes, and then work in groups to get the job done.

”It’s part of what we do,” said Greene. “It’s important to think about others.”

The Magnet Program itself has 120 members that focus on in-depth learning in English, AP Environmental Science, Principles of Technology and Engineering & Design.

About the Magnet Program

When the Camas School Board approved the development of a math, science and technology magnet program in 2006, they also endorsed a new, integrated “block” of studies that would form the program core for magnet students in the ninth and tenth grade. This three-period, integrated block is what has become the heart and soul of a “school within a school” experience for incoming magnet students.

The block of classes in the freshmen year is comprised of AP Environmental Science, Pre-AP English, and a Principles of Design, Technology, and Engineering course that ushers students into the academic and social culture of the MST program. Key elements revolve around these guiding ideas and concepts:

  • A strong emphasis on essential research design principles;
  • Characteristics of successful interdisciplinary project design;
  • Problem-based learning and strategies for successful communication.

To learn more, visit http://chsmstmagnet.com

Photos from last year

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At the Clark County Food Bank.

 

Magnet

Loading up boxes at the Clark County Food Bank.

 

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Getting instructions.

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2A Wrestling: Washougal’s Tanner Lees Clinches State Championship

By Dan Trujillo

From the beginning of wrestling season, Tanner Lees vowed this would be his year.

The Washougal High School senior repeated that statement after he won the Clark County, sub-regional and regional tournaments. As Tanner stepped into the Tacoma Dome Saturday, he only had one more title to achieve. State champion.

“I got so close last year. One match away from the finals,” Lees said. “I had to break through that and get to the finals.”

And break through Lees did. He trailed by four points in the semifinals, flipped Clarkston’s Jake Freeman over and pinned him with only seconds to spare.

Lees found himself down again in the championship match. Once again, he used his long arms, strength and grit to pin White River’s Weston Lyver in the last round.

“I got my half and just put it all on the mat, right there,” Lees said. “Even if I’m losing, I know I have it in me to pull it out at the end.”

Tanner

Tanner Lees. Photo by Dan Trujillo.

Tanner Lees is now a state champion, just like his sister Abby. She won state for Washougal in 2017 and 2015.

“I get to be a role model for my siblings and show them what the Lees name is all about,” he said. “Now, it’s just doing whatever I can to help keep the tradition going.”

Scott Lees is the next one up for the Panthers. He reached the Tacoma Dome as an alternate and got to warm up on the mats. Fellow sophomores Cole Pass and Jason Powell wrestled in their first state tournament this weekend and gained valuable experience.

Like Tanner Lees, seniors Andrew Hopple, Jaden Robb and Brooklyn Wurm-Wertz finished off their high school wrestling careers at the Tacoma Dome. Wurm-Wertz brought home a fourth place medal and Robb secured seventh place.

Tanner Lees is not done competing for the Panthers. He’s ready to pole vault into track and field. Does he have another state championship run left in him?

“That’s the goal,” Lees said with a smile.

Twice Saturday, he proved competitors can’t count him out.

 

Lees

Tanner Lees bends Weston Lyver in half during the 2A 145-pound state championship match at the Tacoma Dome Saturday.

 

Tanner

Tanner Lees with his parents, Randy and Teresa Lees.

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4A Wrestling: Papermaker Tanner Craig — Now a State Champion!

By Dan Trujillo

Tanner Craig unleashed the beast within him and became a State Champion at the Tacoma Dome Saturday.

Down 1-0 in the final round, the Camas High School junior turned the tables on Sumner’s CJ Richmond with about 20 seconds left on the clock. Craig gained a 2-1 advantage and held on to it until time expired.

“I could feel like he was slipping off and I knew I could go for a reversal or go for an escape,” Craig said. “I just thought, reversal. Get my two and try and ride him out … and that’s what I did.”

When the referee signaled that the match was over, Craig’s scream could be heard around the dome. He might be 132 pounds, but he still flexed his muscles like the Incredible Hulk.

“It felt so good, like everything I dreamed of,” he said.

Craig got into the championship match in stunning fashion. He outlasted Isaiah Gonzalez, of Pasco, in overtime. Craig pinned Enumclaw’s Aidan Carroll in the first round, and then defeated Tahoma’s Cameron Hanson 3-1 in the quarterfinals.

“My coaches and teammates have been pushing me ever since I lost and got eighth here last year,” Craig said. “Running a mile every day before practice. Running sprints every day after practice. Working with coaches every single day. It sucks all year … and it’s just paid off in the end.”

Craig watched the rest of the championship matches from the upper deck. He listened to how the crowd reacted to every big move from the little mats on the floor and smiled.

Craig

Samuel Malychewski clinched third at State.

“It’s so much fun seeing every one who loves wrestling and appreciates how much work goes into to it,” he said.

So what does a high school state champion do for an encore when he has another year of high school left?

“I want to be a two-time champion, just like my dad,” he said.

His father, Pat, won two state titles for North Bend and went on to wrestle for the University of Oregon.

“I learned my dad was a two-time state champion when I was little,” Tanner said. “Ever since I could understand what that meant, I’ve been wanting to do that and striving to reach that level.”

The Camas wrestling team made history at the Tacoma Dome. Jack Latimer and Sam Malychewski earned third-place medals, and Rylan Thompson and Gideon Malychewski finished in fourth place. This helped the Papermakers rise up to fifth place in the team standings with 90 points.

Head coach Cory VomBaur believes this is the best finish for Camas at state in the school’s history. Tanner Craig, Latimer, Gideon Malychewski, Isaac Duncan and Colby Stoller want more next year.

“We’re going to make it even higher next year,” Craig said. “Top three, hopefully. We’re all aiming for that number-one spot.”

Craig

Camas junior, Jack Latimer, placed third in State.

 

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Florida Shooting Tragedy: A Plea for Kindness, Respect, Love, Decency, Charity

I’ve spent half of Thursday sobbing at my desk upon learning that one of the Florida shooting victims is the daughter of a longtime friend, Ryan Petty. For some reason, I didn’t make the connection at first until my former editor brought it to my attention. Then, the emotions all came crashing down.

I had done my best to avoid listening to the details of the mass murders — even with my love of journalism I just didn’t want to hear anymore about it. When I was at Camas High School last Thursday, I thought about those kids at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. During that drive, I said a personal prayer for their safety as those Papermakers headed off to compete at State. They could have been my kids, your kids, my friend’s kids. And, just 15 minutes after driving away from the State teams send-off, I learned it was my friend’s child.

Alaina Petty, a 14-year-old Latter-day Saint girl was gunned down by Nikolas Cruz — along with many others. She was guilty of nothing. She was a happy, active teenager, like many here in Camas, Washougal, and throughout the world.

Her father and I chat about BMW’s, the latest technological advances, my tenure at Amazon, and I often just refer to him as a “geek.” It’s a longstanding joke between us. Ryan and I served together in Ecuador, serving our church and finding ways to help others. And, that’s the kind of family he has.

I can’t even imagine the grief and shock that Ryan, Kelly and their family are going through. It’s everyone’s worst nightmare turned reality, and it’s playing out in the national media. There will be funerals, memorials, tributes — and there will be a courtroom trial. All with the glare of television cameras and reporters.

Their lives have changed forever.

Petty

Alaina Petty. Photo courtesy of Petty family.

So, how did we get here? And how do we resolve it?

Family Therapist, Julie Russell, says when people become isolated they act out in outrageous ways — and that’s why we keep seeing these tragedies unfold.

“Broken homes, neglect, abuse all contribute to society’s problems,” said Russell. “Sometimes all a teen needs is to know that someone really cares and loves them.”

I’ve listened to all the reports about Cruz’s mental instability and the all the red flags that led up to this horrific mass murder. People are calling for additional gun control, new legislation, more armed guards, more security, more funding for mental health. I say debate it all and do it in a civil way. But, don’t talk forever. Our society needs to act.

Cindy Giovanni, a former Superintendent in Columbia, MO advocates for the following:

  • Get AR-15 rifles off the streets.
  • Fund mental health initiatives (local, state and national).

Local representatives call for greater funding for school resource officers in every school — even elementary schools. I say do it.

But, my gut instinct tells me no President, Mayor, Congressperson, legislation or policy can ever get into — and repair the hearts of individuals. A sick, demented, evil person will always find a way to wreak havoc. There are some people that like to watch the world burn.

So, while the politicians debate and play the blame game, what can you do right now?

Be loving, respectful, charitable to those closest to you.

Lift others around you.

Do something kind for those in your mind may least deserve it. You never know what’s happening in one’s heart or mind. People act out because they feel anger, insecurity, pain, suffering, loneliness. The list goes on and on.

Imagine a world in which we all do one nice thing for someone next to you. The world could change in an instant.

Sweet Alaina Petty didn’t deserve this. Her family is forever changed. Their little girl is gone.

The Petty family’s faith will bouy them, and they have a community that loves and supports them.

“We love you, too,” Ryan Petty told me. “Hug those kids of yours!”

For now, pray for them, and for all the families affected by this madness. Act by showing kindness to others. Be patient. Love others. Make it a point to do something nice for someone else each day.

The Petty family has asked everyone to donate funds to help Maddy Wilford, a friend of Alaina’s, to assist with her recovery. She was shot, and was severely injured during this tragedy. They do this as they prepare for their daughter’s funeral.

https://www.gofundme.com/maddy-wilford

Thank you for reading.

Love, Ernie Geigenmiller

Petty

The Petty Family. Before moving to Florida, they lived in Washington — in Seattle metro.

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Twice is Nice: Camas Boys Swim Team Clinches 4A State Title!

Federal Way, WA — The Camas Boys Swim team came back from a disappointing Prelims on Friday to win the 4A Swimming Championship Saturday — with 232 points — for the second consecutive year.

It was an incredible narrative as the Papermakers left Prelims Friday feeling shaky, lacking confidence, fatigued, and even experienced a little team infighting. Friday’s results left Coach Mike Bemis shaking his head, not convinced their team could bring the trophy back to Camas High School.

”Doing so poorly in the 200 Medley Relay shook the boys up,” said Bemis.  “And, I thought we gave it (the State title) away.”

So, he re-strategized, and the boys decided to take the pressure off themselves. It made all the difference.

Bemis sat down with the boys and explained what each one had to do in each event — down to the tenth of a second. They had a plan.

The boys turned up the intensity in their first Finals event — the 200 Medley Relay — scoring 1:37.91. They didn’t make the podium but it brought up their confidence. State Champion, Mark Kim, placed second in the 200 Free (1:41.48). Eric Wu would place second in the 200 IM (1:52.14). Chris Xia placed fifth in the 50 Free (21.89).

Prior to the 100 Fly, Bemis said with a slight grin, “we’re just one point behind Kamiak. It’s going to come down to the last event — the 400 Free Relay.”

In the 100 Fly event, Papermakers Eric Wu and Jaden Kim would place second (49.79) and third (50.20), respectively.

State

Jaden Kim.

That’s when Wu issued this comment: “Ernie, everything is going how we wanted it to be. As of right now, it’s all happening according to the plan.”

That plan, he said, meant each Papermaker had to meet or beat specific times in each event. Wu said everyone had to do their best. The plan also banked on Kamiak choking in a few events. They did.

Xia would place sixth (47.90) in the 100 Free — still according to the plan. Mark Kim placed third in the 500 Free (4:39.60), which thrust them even further ahead. Austin Fogel also racked up points for Camas in the 500 Free.

The 200 Free Relay team (Eric Wu, Jaden Kim, Chris Xia, Mark Kim) won with 1:26.53 — and that put the team at ease. And Finn McClone notched his best time in the 100 Back.

With two events left, the boys had 36-point lead. During the breastroke event (which Camas did not compete in) Wu, Xia, and Dave Peddie analyzed all the numbers and felt confident of an overall all team victory.

”We’d have to really screw up in the 400 Free Relay,” said Xia.

They didn’t.

McClone, Xia, Jaden Kim and Mark Kim won the 400 Free Relay (3:08.74) cementing their State title and making history again for Camas High School. It was Mark Kim’s last race as a Papermaker — and he made it count.

State

Mark Kim awaits the final results of his last swimming event for Camas — in the 400 Free Relay.

The feeling was euphoric. Teammates Dave Peddie and Luke Bales started crying as they hugged their teammates.

Just 24 hours prior Wu said “it’ll take a miracle to win State.” That miracle happened. The new strategy worked. Everyone did their part.

“After yesterday, we were seeded OK, but everyone was stressed out,” said Kim. “We asked Mike if he thought we could win. We came here with a mindset of winning. My individuals weren’t as good as I wanted them to be, but everyone else dropped a lot of time. Finn did great! I think all the little things added up, and wining the relays was spectacular! We really pulled it out this year. We went out with a bang! As a team we did awesome!”

Wu said they decided today to execute and he expressed gratitude to Bemis.

”On the Medley Relay, tonight we got lucky,” said Bemis. “Kamiak froze up a little bit and didn’t get the top place they had coming in so they lost six points. And then in the next event they lost four points. And, so they didn’t swim as well and kept losing points, and we swam better and made up those points. Once we got on a roll, it was contagious — it was all in.”

The coveted State trophy, which has been at Camas High for the last year, returns back on Monday. Papermaker Pride.

State

The 2018 4A State Swimming Champions. From left: Finn McClone, Mark Kim, Eric Wu, Chris Xia, Austin Fogel, Jaden Kim, Dave Peddie, Luke Bales, Brian Andrade.

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4A State Swimming: Camas Boys to Fight Back at Today’s Finals

Federal Way, WA — Friday’s 4A State Swimming Prelims was vastly different from last year, starting off with a Camas miss in the 200 Medley Relay, which put the Papermakers into a hole going into today’s Finals.

The Camas relay team placed ninth, which puts them into today’s B Finals — and that’s not where you want to be if you want to win a team State title.

“In that Relay, Jaden Kim was the only one of us who did fine,” said Wu. “I should have been at 21.4, not 21.6, Finn should be at 24, and Austin at 26. Tom Utas was the game changer for us last year. He was a 20 high. Chris is putting up good times.”

Wu said “the State competition is faster this year, and we were top 5 going in as a team — and I’m disappointed in all my swims.”

Friday wasn’t all bad. There were many bright spots, but the early miss set a bit of a damper on the day.

State Champion and team Co-Captain, Mark Kim, placed third overall in the 200 Free (1:42.95) and made it to the A Finals.

“Mark is right where he wants to be,” said Assistant Coach, Leslie Leveque. “He’s doing well.”

State

Mark Kim — in the 500 Free.

Finn McClone will also compete in the 200 Free B Finals. His time was 1:47.95. Wu will compete in the 200 IM A Finals, as will Chris Xia in the 50 Free. Xia is doing well at State. Freshman Dave Peddie entered his first State event in the 200 IM.

Both Wu and Jaden Kim put into good times in the 100 Fly, and are seeded second and third, respectively.

Xia will also compete today in the 100 Free A Finals, seeded sixth.

In the 500 Free, Mark Kim is seeded third (right as planned), and Austin Fogel made a personal best in the same event (4:56.16).

The Papermakers placed first in the 200 Free Relay (1:27.59) at Prelims. McClone will also compete today in the 100 Back.

And, lastly, the 400 Free Relay (Chris Xia, Finn McClone, Mark Kim, Jaden Kim) are seeded second going into the 400 Free Relay.

”I feel like last year we had nothing to lose, and so much to gain,” said Wu. “This year we’re trying not to lose everything we earned. It’s a totally different mindset.”

The Finals start today at 2 pm at the King County Aquatic Center.

To learn more, visit www.chs.camas.wednet.edu

State

Chris Xia.

 

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Finn McClone, David Peddie, Austin Fogel (back), and Chris Xia.

 

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Freshman Dave Peddie competed for the first time at State — in the 200 IM.

 

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Camas Gymnasts Rock the Dome: Win Region’s First 4A State Title

By Dan Trujillo

There were wide eyes, big smiles, loud screams, lots of hugs and tears of joy.

Camas High School gymnasts Jacqueline Purwins, Shea McGee and Alyssa Shibata completed an uneven bars trifecta of dreams to cap off their state championship clinching performance at the Tacoma Dome Friday.

Purwins delivered a 9.475 on the bars to get the Papermaker gymnasts pumped up after they struggled on the vault. McGee followed swiftly with a 9.6 and Shibata put the finishing touches on a Camas sweep with a 9.725.

“It was pretty gnarly,” McGee said.

“That was my highest score ever for gymnastics,” Shibata said. “It was really exciting. It was just a great way to finish our season.”

“I started crying before Shea even finished,” Purwins said. “At that point, I didn’t even care if we won or not. They just did so good. I am so proud of them.”

The Papermakers had to wait through one more rotation, but things started to materialize. McGee earned second place in the all-around competition with 37.9 points. Shibata took fifth all-around with 37.35 points.

The final team scores left the athletes, coaches and fans on pins and needles. In the end, Camas outscored Woodinville 181.2-180.125 to become the first 4A high school from Southwest Washington to win the state championship.

“It could have gone either way, so we were just sitting there holding on to each other,” Shibata said. “When they said Woodinville was second, we were so excited. It’s cool because our team is so strong and supportive. We boost each other up. It’s amazing.”

Gymnastics

Jacqueline Purwins.

Shibata and McGee grabbed first and second on the bars, and Purwins placed sixth. McGee also earned second on the beam (9.475), fifth on the vault (9.325) and ninth on the floor (9.5). Purwins secured sixth on the floor (9.55) and eighth on the vault (9.25). Shibata took sixth on the beam (9.35).

This dream didn’t just start when these girls got to high school. Purwins, Shibata and team captains Joy Marsh and Madison Martin have trained together at the VEGA gym in Camas for years.

“VEGA is my family. It’s family for a lot of these girls, too,” Purwins said. “There’s no way I could ever be here without my coaches. They molded me from a 4-year-old to who I am now.”

Marsh, Martin, McGee and Shibata hope they can carry on this new tradition for Camas. Woodinville had won several state titles in the past, but now there are new kids on the block.

“It’s a new beginning,” Marsh said. “We’ve made history, and we can’t express how proud we are.”

“Next year, we are going to come back even stronger,” Martin said.

“I’m going to remember every single person on this team and how we did,” Shibata said. “It’s just like another family that I have.”

To see the video, visit Video: Camas Wins 4A State Title

 

Gymnastics

Celebrating State victory!

 

Gymnastics

Shea McGee.

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Bi-Districts: Camas Girls Hang Tough With State Champs

Papermakers play for third place at Bi-Districts Saturday

By Dan Trujillo

Bumped, bruised, iced, taped, the Papermakers continued to battle at Bi-Districts.

The Camas girls basketball team rallied from 12 points down at halftime to get within one point of defending 4A state champion Kentridge in the semifinals of the bi-district tournament Friday, at Puyallup High School.

“From the beginning, we all had that heart and desire,” said junior guard Haley Hanson. “Who cares if they’re state champs. We work so hard in practice. Our scout team got us prepared for this physical game. We just pushed through all the pain and frustration.”

Hanson nailed four 3-pointers for the Papermakers in the second half. Marianna Payne and Jillian Webb added two threes each, and Jordyn Wilds netted one.

“That’s the reason we play basketball. That team chemistry keeps us alive on the court,” Webb said. “Those threes came from all five of us. It wasn’t just Haley and me. That was a whole team effort.”

The Chargers never lost their advantage, outscored Camas 18-8 in the fourth quarter and celebrated a 65-50 victory.

“We caught up to them, we just couldn’t keep it. But we tried our best, despite the fact that we were a bit undersized,” Payne said. “It was a very physical game. A lot of us came out with battle scars.”

Bi-Districts

Haley Hanson connects on her fourth 3-pointer in the second half.

The difference of the game was foul calls. Kentridge earned 30 free throws and made 18 of them. Camas only received one shot from the line, and it came on a 3-point play converted by Payne.

“When you come up here and you play Kentridge, you’re not going to get too many calls your way,” said Camas head coach Scott Preuninger. “Even though they were the more physical team, they weren’t getting fouls called on them. It is what it is. You just got to play.”

And play the Papermakers did.

Payne and Maggie Wells bounced off the walls, while they made baskets and grabbed rebounds. Freshmen Faith Bergstrom and Jalena Carlisle provided productive minutes when Courtney Clemmer got into foul trouble. Hanson tweaked her elbow, but got right back into the game.

“Just great effort,” Preuninger said. “They played about as hard as they could.”

Camas (15-7) faces Kentlake (18-6) in the third-place game at 3:45 p.m. Saturday, at Mount Tahoma High School. The Falcons defeated the Papermakers by four points, Dec. 9, 2017.

Kentlake also beat Camas by one point in the state regional round last season.

“Our girls are ready to play Saturday,” Preuninger said. “It’s going to be a lot of fun.”

 

Bi-Districts

Jillian Webb drains her second three for Camas.

 

Bi-Districts

Maggie Wells shows no fear against a 6-foot-4 Charger.

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Back to Where They Belong: Panthers Play for 3rd Place Saturday

By Dan Trujillo

On Saturday, the Washougal High School girls basketball team will play for third place in the district tournament for the third year in a row.

“After everybody was talking about how many players we lost, to be in the same place we have been the last two years is really special,” said junior Beyonce Bea.

Washougal (18-5) faces Woodland (14-9) in the consolation finals Saturday. Game time and location will be announced Thursday. Only the winner of this game advances to the state tournament.

“Just play hard. Play our hearts out. We have to win or it’s over,” said junior Kiara Cross. “This is our time. We don’t want to stop playing ball.”

Bea scored 24 points and Cross added 13 to help the Panthers defeat Mark Morris 64-49 Wednesday, at Ridgefield High School. It was redemption for Washougal after the Monarchs ended the Panthers’ 12-game winning streak.

“We wanted to beat them so bad, because they stopped our streak,” Cross said. “We had to get them back. It’s personal now.”

Mark Morris hung with Washougal until Cross scored 10 points in the third quarter. She nailed two 3-pointers, and delivered two more baskets off two steals.

Panthers

Beyonce Bea moved up to second all-time in points scored at Washougal High School. She’s at 1,251, exactly 100 away from record holder Krissy Bassett.

 

“I didn’t even realize what was happening,” Cross said. “I just wanted to go, go go. Keep putting shots up. Play hard defense.”

Tiana Barnett nailed a three to break the tie, before Cross caught fire. McKinley Stotts added a three to give the Panthers a 13-point cushion going into the final quarter.

Bea had another big night. She passed Alyssa Blankenship for second all-time in school history. Bea is up to 1,251 points, 100 away from record holder Krissy Bassett.

Bea thanked the fans for traveling to Ridgefield on Valentine’s Day to watch the Washougal girls play basketball.

“They could be doing something else, but they’re not. That means a lot,” she said. “Everyone’s really energetic, excited and supportive. So, that’s a really fun environment to play around.”

 

 

Panthers

Kiara Cross nails her third three of the game for the Panthers. She scored 13 points in the second half, including 10 in the third quarter.

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