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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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Camas Lacrosse Grows the Game with the Boston Cannons

The Columbia Cannons will bear the marks and logos of the Boston Cannons, playing under the umbrella of Camas Lacrosse

Camas, WA – The Boston Cannons of Major League Lacrosse (MLL) announced today that the organization has agreed to a five-year partnership with Camas Lacrosse. This agreement will allow Camas Lacrosse to field a club lacrosse team called the Columbia Cannons, which will be based in Clark County, Washington. Additionally, the Columbia Cannons will be granted access to all Cannons marks (name, logos, symbols, emblems, designs, and identifications) for team purposes and apparel.

Camas Lacrosse was established in 2012 as part of the Washington Boys High School Lacrosse Association. One year later, they added a youth program with teams from grades one through eight under the Oregon Youth Lacrosse Organization, while the high school program continues to compete under the Washington Boys High School Lacrosse Association.

Under this collaboration, the Boston Cannons and Camas Lacrosse will host two special events for the Columbia Cannons in either Washington or Oregon. The players and coaches will travel to the west coast for these events to promote the new club and to allow the club to learn from professional coaches and athletes.

“We are excited to bring this partnership to our youth and HS players. We have grown to a total membership of over 200 players in a very short time, and our retention rates are exceptionally high. Camas has a rich athletic tradition, and through this partnership with the Boston Cannons, we hope to have Camas Lacrosse add significantly to that and continue to grow this great game in our area,” said Karen Gibson, President of Camas Lacrosse.

The Cannons and Camas Lacrosse will kick off this partnership with a dedicated “Training Camp Weekend” for the Columbia Cannons, held from June 15 to 17, 2018, during their bye week. Over 600 youth lacrosse players will be in attendance for multiple lacrosse clinics and a tournament to cap off the weekend.

“We’re thrilled to partner with Camas Lacrosse and the Columbia Cannons to continue to grow the sport of lacrosse throughout the country”, said Cannons President Ian Frenette. “Most athletes participating in the Columbia Cannons have had limited exposure to our sport at the professional level. Currently, there are no Major League Lacrosse or National League lacrosse teams in the Northwest US. By entering into an agreement with this club early in its rise, we are helping them shorten the timeframe for their developmental and growth goals.”

About the Boston Cannons
The Boston Cannons are a Founding Member of Major League Lacrosse (MLL) and one of the most recognizable global lacrosse brands. Led by Rob Hale and his ownership team, the they won the 2011 MLL Championship, have eleven playoff appearances and hold a league record with five MLL MVP’s over fifteen seasons. Off the field, the team provide a game day experience second to none and annually top the MLL in attendance and partnership engagement. For more information, call the front office at 617-746-9933 or visit www.bostoncannons.com

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Washougal Trail Blazers: Two Swimmers Break Through to State

By Dan Trujillo

Daniel Brown, Isaiah Ross and Landon Schmid are blazing a trail for Washougal swimmers.

Ross qualified for state in the 200-meter freestyle and the 100 butterfly during Saturday’s 2A district championship meet, at Mark Morris High School in Longview. Brown also punched his ticket to the King County Aquatic Center in the 50 free and could be considered as a wild card entry into the state 100 butterfly swim.

Brown and Ross raced side-by-side in the 100 fly Saturday. Ross clinched first place and set a new district meet record time of 59.1 seconds. Joe Dodd of Hockinson followed in second place, and Brown grabbed third place.

“It was cool to race a teammate,” Ross said. “And then Joe on the other side, he was really fast. It was a good race. I was amped up for it.”

Dodd and Ross exchanged leads throughout the two laps, until Ross surged ahead during the final 25 meters to the wall.

“It was intense, but I wasn’t going to let him beat me,” Ross said.

Brown earned second place in the 50 free with a time of 23.02 seconds. Dodd won the race in 22.44. Ross earned second place in the 200 free with a time of 1:43.74. Josh Bottelberghe of Columbia River clinched first place in 1:43.74.

Washougal

Washougal Swimmers: From left: Daniel Brown, Landon Schmid, and Isaiah Ross.

 

Washougal

Daniel Brown, left, and Isaiah Ross, both of Washougal compete at 2A Districts.

“My goal is to win state in the 100 fly and be right up there with Josh in the 200 free,” Ross said.

Brown, Ross and Schmid have been swimming together for the past three years. They hope a fourth member from Washougal joins the team next season so they can compete in the relay races during their senior year.

They say the more Panthers in the pool, the merrier.

The 2A state boys swimming championships take place Friday and Saturday evening at the King County Aquatic Center, in Federal Way.

For event times and results during the state meet, visit www.wiaa.com. Updates will also be available on the Lacamas Magazine’s Twitter feed.

 

Wahougal

On the awards podium for the 100 Fly. Isaiah Ross is center (first place), and Dan is second from right (third place). Joe Dodd placed second.

More Washougal Swim Images

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Swimming: Camas Boys Win District Title — By Huge Margin

Kelso, WA — The Camas High School Boys Swim Team completely dominated two days of District swimming, breaking their own meet records, and winning the title by a wide margin.

The Papermakers racked up 323.5 points by winning seven of 12 events outright. Hanford placed second with 206.5 points; third, Union, 171; fourth Richland, 157; and Battle Ground rounded out the top five, with 154 points. A total of 10 schools competed.

”I think winning Districts this year was really important to me,” said State Champion, Mark Kim, who was honored as 4A Swimmer of the Year. “Especially since this is my senior year. I’m definitely proud of these guys. Not just the guys who are part of the state team, but a lot of these kids really stepped it up today, and yesterday, and just really impressed me — especially Luke (Bales) being willing to get up on that relay when Finn was out being injured.”

The boys shined at Friday’s Prelims, breaking the 200 Free Relay meet record, which set the momentum for rest of the meet. Junior Eric Wu felt Friday’s efforts put them into a good spot for Saturday’s Finals.

”I’m really excited about Dave Peddie swimming today,” said Wu before Finals started. “For the 200 IM he’s half a second from going to State so hopefully he makes it.”

Peddie, a Freshman, was both excited and nervous. He was seeded fourth going into Finals.

”I think it’s a good situation to be in,” said Peddie. “It will help me swim fast, and I’m super pumped up about it.”

Peddie ultimately placed third, which guaranteed him a spot to compete at State. See his exuberant response in our YouTube video report.

Swimming

Mark Kim. Photo by Dan Trujillo.

The attitude Saturday morning was a far cry from a few days ago when the team was nervous about losing to Hanford. They went into Finals with confidence — and it showed in the scores.

They got off to a fast start winning the 200 Medley Relay (1:38.48) with Papermakers Finn McClone, Austin Fogel, Jaden Kim, and Eric Wu. Battle Ground and Union rounded out the top three.

Mark Kim then won the 200 Free (1:42.72) beating back a challenge from Hanford’s Skyler Younkin and John Markillie.

Eric Wu then crushed the competition in the 200 IM (1:54.33). He has grace, speed and powerful strokes that propel him through the pool. Union’s Nick Wahlman placed second (2:02.21), and Peddie, third (2:08.24), which earned him a spot on the State team.

Papermaker Chris Xia placed first in the 50 Free (21.84) nearly breaking the meet record. Battle Ground’s Marcelo Lombardi placed second (22.08) and Union’s Piece Ammentorp placed third (22.22).

Richland dominated 1 meter diving. Tyler Maki won the event (206.45). Ben Douglas, second (201.75) and Ryan McClelland, third (190.35).

Hanford’s Skyler Younkin set a new meet record in the 100 Fly (49.51). Jaden Kim placed second (50.46) and Wu placed third (50.80).

Swimming

Eric Wu in the 100 Fly. Photo by Dan Trujillo.

In the 100 Free, Walla Walla’s Luke Elmenhurst placed first (48.29) while Papermaker Chris Xia placed second (48.45) and Union’s Pierce Ammentorp placed third (49.11).

Mark Kim completely dominated the 500 Free event (4:44.79). Hanford’s Markillie placed second (4:47.82) and Jack Elliott, also of Hanford, placed third (5:00.23).

Camas also dominated the 200 Free Relay breaking their own day-old meet record (1:27.02) shaving off more than a second from the previous day. Eric Wu, Jaden Kim, Chris Xia, and Mark Kim made it happen. Battle Ground and Hanford rounded out the top three.

Richland’s Addison Pollich won the 100 Back against an injured Finn McClone, who placed second (55.50). Union’s Tony Kajino placed third (55.74).

Camas struggled in the 100 Breast. That event was won by Union’s Val Tikhormirov (59.39). Union’s Nick Wahlman placed second (1:00.90) and Richland’s Connor McShane placed third (27.88).

Luke Bales was summoned at the last minute to replace an injured Finn McClone in the 400 Free. He delivered. The Camas team won (3:15.59). Union (3:26.23) and Hanford (3:27.04) rounded out the top three.

Swimming

From left: Aaron Le, Jake Duerfeldt, Coach Mike Bemis, Zach Macia, and Luke Bales.

“We came up here knowing we would probably get our six in (Mark Kim, Finn McClone, Eric Wu, Christopher Xia, Jaden Kim and Austin Fogel),” said Head Coach, Mike Bemis. “And then, getting David Peddie in … and with Finn getting injured and having Luke Bales available … he had such an outstanding performance in that 400 Free Relay.”

Bemis said the kids performed well, even with all the things that go on during a meet that you have no control over.

“I’m real proud of these guys,” he said. “Finn McClone and Mark Kim have a good pulse on the team. They have been excellent captains. They’ve held their own meetings with the group, without the coaches, when we needed them. And, we’ve come out of it stronger each time.  We want to swim the best we can at State. Hopefully that includes best times, and that our relays and individuals place well. The one critical factor is we are going to have a tough time competing with those teams who have divers.”

“Because we don’t have divers, we’re going in behind and having to swim out of a hole. We are going to do our best to try and repeat as state champions. That’s our goal. These kids would like to win it two in a row. We just got to wait and see.”

State Prelims start this Friday, with Finals on Saturday at Federal Way.

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

 

Swimming

The boys enjoy holding the District trophy.

 

 

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Basketball: Columbia River Girls Shock Washougal; Monday a Must Win

By Dan Trujillo

The Columbia River girls basketball team defeated league champion Washougal 50-45 in the first round of the 2A district tournament Friday.

Beyonce Bea led the Panthers with 24 points and 11 rebounds. Skylar Bea added eight points and eight boards. Tiana Barnett netted eight points off the bench and Maggie Hungerford finished with five.

This was all the offense Washougal got in a tightly contested playoff game. The Chieftains outscored the Panthers 17-7 in the fourth quarter to earn the victory.

“We tightened up when the pressure was on,” said Washougal head coach Britney Knotts. “Numbers, records, seeding … none of that matters anymore. Playoffs are a whole new season.”

Beyonce Bea scored eight points out of the gate, and Hungerford delivered a 3-pointer, to help Washougal build a 13-8 advantage in the first quarter.

The Panthers increased their lead to 19-12 after a three by Bea in the second quarter. Columbia River scored seven in a row to tie the contest. Washougal went back up by two points before halftime.

 

 

The Chieftains kicked off the third quarter with a three to lead for the first time in the game. Barnett came off the bench and scored six points. Bea hit a turnaround jumper to put the Panthers up by five going into the final quarter.

Columbia River kept Washougal scoreless for two minutes, and tied it up at 38-38. McKinley Stotts made a nice pass to Barnett for two, and Skylar Bea scored two points off an in-bounds pass, but the Chieftains never quit.

“We were trying to pull away, and they just kept answering,” Knotts said.

Columbia River earned some breathing room on an “and one” in the final minutes. The Chieftains increased their lead to five at the foul line before time expired.

Washougal faces Hockinson in a loser out game Monday, at R.A. Long High School. Tipoff is at 6 pm.

“It’s hard to beat a team three times. And now, we have to turn around and play Hockinson for the third time,” Knotts said. “This will be a good test, for sure.”

Photos by Dan Trujillo

Washougal

Maggie Hungerford fights for a rebound for the Panthers.

 

Washougal

Skylar Bea and Beyonce Bea on defense for Washougal.

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Camas High Students Gather For National Letter of Intent Day

Camas, WA — Fourteen scholar-athletes took part in National Letter of Intent Day today at Camas High School.

Here’s what they’re all doing:

PAYTON BATES will be signing to play softball for the College of Idaho Yotes in Caldwell Idaho. Payton will finish her high school career earning seven varsity letters from Camas High School. Payton lettered three years in slow pitch softball, and will be a four-year letter award winner in fast pitch softball. In the fall during slow pitch, Payton has led her team to three straight league championships, a district championship in 2016 and 2017, and to the Papermakers first ever state birth in 2017. She was GSHL first-team all-league and voted Papermaker MVP for all three years and was capped by being recognized as the GSHL Player of the Year during her senior year in 2017. In the spring, Payton has been recognized as GSHL first-team all-league in 2016 and 2017. She has been a big part of the Papermaker fast pitch success that has earned league titles in 2015, 2017 and two 4th place in state finishes. Payton is a three-time GSHL scholar-athlete award winner and while in Caldwell will study Marketing.

Parents Jay and Brenda Bates – All three State Championship Tournament appearances. She wants one more this spring!

PERRIN BELZER will be traveling South to join former teammates with the Grand Canyon University Women’s Soccer program. Perrin has played the past four years on the girls soccer team which has been the most dominant run in the programs history at Camas High School. In those four years, her Papermakers have won four league titles, three district titles, two 3rd place state trophies, one state championship in 2016 along with a Maxpreps National Championship in 2016. Like her team, Perrin has also racked up numerous accolades over the past four years that include: 2014 and 2016 GSHL All-League 2nd team, GSHL All-League 1st team in 2015, and capped by a senior season that saw her awarded GSHL defensive player of the year, Columbian All-Region team, and 4A 1st team All-State. Perrin has been a GSHL all-academic team member all four years. While playing for the Lopes, Perrin will be pursuing a degree in sports management.

Parents Michael and Kathy Belzer – Memorable moment was winning the 2016 Washington State Championship.
TREVOR BENTLEY is headed across the river to play baseball for Mt. Hood Community College. Trevor has lettered in football and baseball for three years and has been an active participant in Camas High School Unified Basketball. Trevor has been the starting center fielder for the Papermakers for three straight years and helped lead his team to the playoffs in 2016. Trevor was a part of the first ever Papermakers football state championship in 2016, and was recognized as GSHL All-League 2nd team defensive back in 2017. Trevor is undecided on what he will focus his studies on while playing for the Saints.

Intent

Fourteen scholar-athletes gathered Wednesday for National Letter of Intent Day at CHS. Photo by Dan Trujillo.

Parents Brian and Rachel Bentley – Memorable moment winning the football state championship in 2016.

COURTNEY CLEMMER will be a part of the Fighting Owls women’s basketball team at Oregon Institute of Technology in Klamath Falls Oregon. Courtney has lettered in basketball for four years, along with one year in volleyball. Courtney has been a four-year starter on the hardwood for the Papermakers and has led them to two straight league titles in 2017 and 2018, and to the programs first ever trip to the Tacoma Dome to compete in the state tournament. Courtney has been recognized as GSHL All-League 2nd team in 2016, GSHL All-League 1st team in 2017 along with the All-Region 2nd team, and has already added the GSHL Player of the Year award in 2018. Courtney is a four-time scholar athlete award winner and plans to focus on studying communications in Klamath Falls.

Parents Casey and Traci Clemmer – Memorable moment playing in the state tournament at the Tacoma Dome.

ALEXA DIETZ is off to soak up some sunshine at San Diego State University as a member of the Aztec Rowing team. Alexa lettered two years in the Papermaker track and field program and one year in gymnastics before focusing on rowing. Alexa was part of a women’s track and field team that won two league and district titles and was a large part of the 2017 Papermaker gymnastics record-setting team that won a league title, district title and a state championship runner-up finish. Alexa is scholar-athlete award winner and is planning on studying environmental sciences and nature conservation in San Diego.

Parents David and Nancy Dietz – Memorable moment winning 2nd place at the State gymnastics meet in 2017.

KENNEDY FERGUSON will also be headed south. She will join the Lobos of New Mexico University softball program. Kennedy will letter three years in fast pitch at Camas High School. Kennedy was voted as GSHL All-League 1st team in 2016, GSHL Pitcher of the Year in 2017, All-Region Player of the Year in 2017, and will be looking for more awards this spring. Kennedy led her team to the league championship in 2017 and a Washington state 4A 4th place state finish in 2017. Kennedy will be focusing on physical therapy in New Mexico.

Parents David and DeAnn Ferguson – Memorable moment creating memories with a group of girls that have come up and gone through the program with me.

DOMINIC FEWEL will attend Oregon State University next fall to play soccer for the Beavers. Dominic will be a four-year letterman for the Papermaker soccer team, and has been a three- time scholar athlete award winner. Dominic has anchored a team that has compiled three league and district titles and have been a state participant all three years. Dominic has been chosen as a team captain in 2016 and 2017 along with receiving accolades as GSHL All-League 2nd team in 2015, GSHL All-League 1st team in 2016, 2017, All-Region team in 2017, and All-State honorable mention in 2017. While in Corvallis, Dominic will be studying Mechanical Engineering.

Parents Heath and Jennifer Fewel – Memorable moment scoring diving header goal against Skyview to win the game.

MADISON FREEMON is signing to play basketball with California State Fullerton University. She is a four-year letterman in basketball for the Papermakers. Madison has started for the Papermakers for three years before suffering a season ending injury her senior year early in the season. She was recognized as GSHL All- League Honorable Mention in 2017 along with the team captain honor. Madison helped guide the Papermakers to the first ever state championship tournament appearance her Junior year, and has been recognized on the All-League academic list for four straight years. Madison will be studying education while playing for the Titans.

Parents Gary and Sandy Freemon – Memorable moment scoring the winning buzzer beater basket against Prairie her sophomore year.

MARK KIM will be taking his talents to swim for the United States Military Academy at West Point. Mark is the most decorated swimmer in Papermaker history as he has won two state championships in both the 500 and 200 freestyle events, with one more state meet to go later this month. He has numerous district championships and guided his team to four straight league titles, a 2015 2nd place state finish, 2016 4th place state finish and the Papermakers first ever state championship in 2017, and he still has his senior season to finish. Mark was recognized as the 2016 February Camas High School student-athlete of the month, and is equally as impressive in the classroom with a near perfect GPA. While swimming for the Black Knights, Mark will study Mechanical Engineering.

Parents Mark and Dannelle Kim – Memorable moment winning the 4A team state championship trophy for a school south of Tacoma for the first time in 50 years.

Swim

State Champion swimmer, Mark Kim.

HAILEY OSTER will be playing golf for the Bobcats of Montana State University. Hailey has been a Papermaker varsity golfer all four years and has anchored her team to two straight league and district titles heading into her senior season this spring. Hailey has finished in the top 10 at the past two Washington State tournaments which has helped her team secure a 2nd place team finish in state her sophomore and junior year. Hailey has been recognized as the 2017 GSHL Player of the Year, All-Region 1st team, and received the Camas High School student-athlete of the month award and the WIAA player of the week award her Junior year. Hailey will study elementary education while in Bozeman.

Parents Ernie and Debbie Oster – Memorable moment taking 2nd in state the past two years with my team.

MADISON PFAFF will take her skills to Salem to play volleyball for Corban University. She has lettered in the Papermaker volleyball program for three years and received GSHL All-League 1st team honors her senior season. Madison also received the following CHS volleyball awards: coaches award in 2016, defensive award in 2017 and team captain in 2016 and 2017. Madison helped her team earn league championship titles all three years, and has been recognized with the scholar-athlete award for three years. While playing for the Warriors, Madison will be studying education.

Parents Jeremy and Heather Pfaff- Memorable moment beating Battle Ground in 5 sets my sophomore year.

Intent

Singing at National Letter of Intent Day. Photo by Dan Trujillo.

MADALYN SHERWINSKI will be traveling East to swim for the University of Mary in Bismark North Dakota. Madalyn lettered in Papermaker swim for three years and guided her team to a league championship in 2015 and 2016 as well as a district championship in 2015. Madalyn was a team captain in 2016 and 2017, and recognized as GSHL All-League 2nd team in the 500 freestyle in 2016. Madalyn is a perfect GPA scholar athlete and will study either chemical or mechanical engineering as a Marauder.

Parents Paul and L’Rae Scherwinski – Memorable moment winning district swim team title in 2015 at Kelso.

JOSHUA SCHNEIDER will attend Willamette University to play soccer for the Bearcats. Josh will be a three-year letterman for the Papermakers and has helped his team accomplish league and district titles his sophomore and junior season with his senior season coming up. The Papermakers have also been state tournament participants his sophomore and junior year that was capped with a state quarterfinal appearance in 2017. Josh was recognized as a GSHL All-League 1st team player as a junior, and will be a four time GSHL scholar-athlete award winner. While in Salem, Josh will be studying physical therapy.

Parents Joe and Lisa Schneider – Memorable moment when I crossed the ball for an assist for a double overtime win.
ABBIGAIL WONG will be attending University of Puget Sound in Tacoma to play softball for the Loggers. Abbi will letter in fast pitch four years for the Papermakers and has been a part of two league championship teams so far. Her Papermakers have two 4th place state championship tournament trophies, and she is looking to add another one this spring. In 2017 Abbi was recognized as GSHL All-League 2nd team, and received the 2017 defensive player of the year award for the Camas High School fast pitch program. While playing for the Loggers, Abbi will be focusing her studies on Exercise Science.

Parents Wade and Kim Wong – Memorable moment placing 4th at state tournament freshman and junior years.

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Girls Youth Lacrosse To Make Its Camas Debut This Season

Camas, WA — The Camas Lacrosse Club is making the sport available for girls to play competitively this season — with registration currently under way.

“In the past, the girls have had to play for Evergreen, but that’s changing now,” said Gibson. “Girls can now play competitively in Camas. We have one entire 3rd/4th grade team already set.”

The sport made its official Camas debut five years ago and continues to thrive and grow in popularity, said club president, Karen Gibson. It started with 30 players and has grown to 250 this year.

Registration is open at www.camaslacrosse.com

You may also email the team at: camaslacrosse@aol.com

For grades 9-12, practices start on February 25, and the season runs through the beginning of May. For grades 1-8, practices start on March 5, with the season running through the beginning of May.

The club is working to make girls lacrosse an official high school sport. And, they are actively recruiting coaches. They also received a $3,000 equipment grant from US Lacrosse earmarked for the girls teams.

In addition, Camas LAX is hosting a college game between Portland State University and Central Washington this Saturday at Cardon Field at 3 pm.

”We’re trying to bring a high level of lacrosse to the area,” said Gibson. “We’re grateful for all the support we’ve received.”

 

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Washougal Wrestlers Win Sub-Region; League Champs Head to Tacoma Dome

By Dan Trujillo

Three champions, three finalists and seven medalists led the Washougal boys wrestling team to first place at the 2A sub-regional tournament Saturday, at Hockinson High School.”I’ll remember some good things and bad things,” said senior co-captain Tanner Klopman. “Probably the biggest good thing is the team coming together and winning this.”

Scott Lees, Andrew Hopple and Tanner Lees captured championship medals for the Panthers. Klopman, Cole Pass and Jason Powell settled for second place. Malachai Keith and Sampson Figerora rose to third place. Tristan Elliott, Gus Shelley, Korben Modoc, Andrew Darr and Bryce William finished in fourth place.

All 13 of these Washougal wrestlers are on their way to the regional tournament Feb. 10 at Tumwater High School. Tyler Johnson and Xander Romo are going as alternates.

“I thought we had some very impressive performances,” Hopple said. “We have three freshmen on our regional team. That’s fantastic.”

Hopple and Klopman hope to compete at state for the first time.

“I came up one place short last year,” Hopple said. “I’m ready. I’m taking it to The Dome this year.”

Lees reached the state semifinals last season and settled for fourth place.

“I have some tough wrestlers in my weight class, but this is my year,” he said. “I’m going to go all out.”

Whatever happens at region, Hopple hopes the Panthers continue to demonstrate good sportsmanship.

“It’s not just about winning a match or taking first place; it’s staying afterwards to roll up mats and help clean up. Making sure you’re smiling after your match, whether you win or lose,” Hopple said. “That’s what Washougal is all about.”

Panther girls place second

The Washougal girls wrestling team hosted 22 schools at the sub-regional tournament Saturday, and finished in second place behind Union.

Aleksi Donahue clinched a championship medal for the Panthers. Samantha Eakins, Jaden Robb and Brooklyn Wurm-Wertz earned second place. Emily Eakins took third place, and Melina Aguilar and Ashley Garrison followed in fourth place.

These 10 Washougal wrestlers are on their way to the regional tournament Feb. 10 in Aberdeen. Josalyn Tanner-Ortiz and Sariah Clark are going as alternates.

See another Panther wrestler article

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