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Camas Girls Basketball Win State Championship Title: ‘It’s Finished’

Tacoma, WA — A year after a tough loss at the state championship game, the Camas Girls Varsity Basketball redeemed themselves with a decisive 57-41 victory over Gonzaga Prep Saturday night at the Tacoma Dome. They made history.  

A year ago, Parker Mairs told Lacamas Magazine: “We’ll be back next year, and we’ll win it. We have unfinished business.”

And win it, they did. Saturday’s game showed a year’s worth of work and effort. They were more determined than last year, better prepared. They had experience, and it showed. For weeks leading up the championship game players and fans alike used the hashtag #unfinished and that quickly changed to #finished after winning the state title.

“It feels like we’re finally finished,’’ Camas coach Scott Thompson said in an interview with NFHS immediately after the game. “These girls deserve every bit of this. I feel losing the state championship game last year might have won us this one. At this point, it’s a storybook ending. This team has been so connected. The chemistry has been off the charts. I can’t tell you what it’s been like to coach these girls.’’

Reagan Jamison led Camas with 17 points with seven rebounds. Addison Harris earned 12 points and eight rebounds.

Keirra Thompson added nine points and six assists Saturday. 

She acknowledged leading up to the big game this was their version of the Revenge Tour, reflecting on the 2019 Camas Football team’s state championship title and the run up to that incredible victory.

“We’ve been playing with each other since the fifth grade,’’ Thompson told NFHS. “We’ve played together for so long it’s become easy for us, natural for us. I couldn’t be any happier. Everything for the past year has been leading to this day and we didn’t disappoint. This is so special, especially coming off last year, losing in the championship game, it drove us to work so hard.’’

Mairs said, “it’s finished.”

Yes, indeed.

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Vancouver Volcanoes Basketball ‘Meet the Team’ Event Coming Feb. 28

On February 28th, the Vancouver Volcanoes basketball team is hosting a fun “Meet the Team” event at Chuck E. Cheese in Vancouver from 5 to 8 pm. 

Guests can enjoy special deals on food and games, and the public can join the Volcanoes for a fun night of pizza and games alongside the team. Plus, it is a way for fans to get excited about the upcoming season. 

The location for Meet The Team event is 7721 NE Vancouver Plaza Dr, Vancouver, WA 98662. All Volcanoes home games are played at Clark College from March to May, with the first one on March 8th vs the Salem Capitals.

Learn more at vancouvervolcanoes.com

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Camas Boys Swim Team Swim Wins District Title in Undefeated Season

The Camas Boys Swim team won the District IV title Saturday at Walla Walla, WA (Whitman College) capping off an undefeated 2023-24 season.

“It was an incredible meet,” said Camas Head coach, Kelly Dean. “It is a bi-district meet. We won our district 4 (459 points) Union second at 272. Hanford from District 8 won the bi- district meet.”

Camas tied for first in the 200 medley relay — Owen Yam, Tenzin Kelsang, James Crawford, Sahn Kim. 

Camas placed 1st and 2nd in the 100 free — Tenzin Kelsang and Pranaya Shrestha.

In the 200 free relay, Camas placed 2nd by a hair to Union. Papermakers Alan Xie, Pranaya Shrestha, Tenzin Kelsang and Sahn Kim.

In the 100 breast- Camas placed 1st (Sahn Kim) and 3rd (Tenzin Kelsang).

Swim
Team captains: Luka Obradovic, Sahm Kim, and Tyler Sutherland.
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Washougal 5th Grade Runners Compete at Junior Olympics Regional XC Meet

Athol, Idaho — Anava and Joela Grundy, 5th grade students at Columbia River Gorge Elementary, competed at the USATF Junior Olympics Regional XC Meet in Athol, Idaho, on November 18.  The twins feed their passion for running by taking part in the Boosters’ Mileage Club, a running program organized by school volunteers. They also participate in Whisper Running, a local youth running organization, since September 2022.

“I love to run because it allows me to be active in the outdoors. I love the different trails and enjoy running in nature,” said Anava.  

Anava and Joela were the only Whisper Running members from Washougal to qualify for USATF Junior Olympics Regionals this year. 

“I’m really proud of them for trying a new thing and sticking with it even when it gets difficult,” said Dave Caldwell, running coach at Whisper Running.

“Running for me is such a great sport because I can set personal goals and focus on them to get stronger,” said Joela. 

The Boosters’ Mileage Club at Columbia River Gorge Elementary helps Anava and Joela consistently train their cross country skills and inspires them to do their best. This weekly running program is spearheaded by volunteers Annie Thomas and Sadie McKenzie. McKenzie is also a member of the Washougal School District school board. 

“It’s amazing to see what these kids accomplish. I volunteer with the Boosters Mileage Club because you get to make a real difference in students’ lives,” said McKenzie.

Programs like the Columbia River Gorge Boosters Mileage Club help Washougal students to discover a passion for exercise. Booster club volunteers make this and many other student-centered programs across Washougal School District possible. Learn more about volunteer opportunities at Washougal School District on the district volunteer webpage.

For Anava and Joela, this is just the beginning. Beginning this year, cross country programs in Washougal expanded to include 6th grade students in Washougal. This comes just in time for the duo to represent Jemtegaard Middle School when they enter sixth grade next year.

Washougal
Joela Grundy accepts a token after finishing another lap around the track.
Washougal
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Sports: Vancouver Lightning FC Brings Indoor Soccer to Clark County

The Vancouver Lightning FC is excited to bring indoor soccer to Clark County, with their next home game kicking off December 2 at 7:30 pm at the Clark County Indoor Sports Center off 16311 NE 15th Street, in Vancouver.

Team president and club Executive Director Peter Valdez says Vancouver Lightning FC has four more home games left in the season, and fans who are 18 and older get in for $10; fans who are 17 and younger get in for $5.

To learn more about the Vancouver Lightning FC, please visit their Vancouver Lightning Arena Soccer Club -Vancouver Lightning Arena Soccer Club website.

The Vancouver Lightning FC wants to call Clark County home for many seasons to come, build a community from the youth level and up, and provide a pathway for players to get to the professional leagues. As the club mission statement states the Vancouver Lightning Arena Soccer Club is committed to provide an enhanced arena soccer experience that focuses on individual skills, communication, positive attitudes, and a safe learning environment for all players.

The Vancouver Lightning FC are playing their first Western Indoor Soccer League (WISL) season. There are currently nine teams playing in the WISL from Bellingham to Vancouver. The WISL was founded in 2014 and  provides a pathway for players to get to the Major Arena Soccer League (MASL), the professional arena soccer league. The MASL is the arena equivalent of the Major Soccer League. 

2023-2024 Home Schedule 

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Camas High School Honors 16 Students at Letter of Intent Signing

Camas, WA — The Camas High School Athletics Department honored 16 student-athletes Friday morning who signed letters of intent for the colleges and universities they will be attending, and competing for, this Fall. 

Here are the student-athletes:

GRACE COMBS is heading up to Seattle to continue her education and athletic career at Seattle Pacific University where she is getting a full ride between athletic and academic scholarships. She was part of three league champion track and field teams in her time at CHS and she was a recognized all-league player. On campus, Grace was a pride inside winner and active with National Honors Society. She will be going into Nursing at Seattle Pacific. 

Parents Chris and Krista, Sisters Faith, Hope, and Joy. Memorable moment running in her first district meet and just the way the team felt like a family. 

JOSHUA DABASINSKAS is heading north to Bellevue College to continue his basketball career. Josh was part of the first boys’ basketball team to make it to the Dome that placed sixth this year. He was a two- time GSHL champion with the program. As a team captain he broke program records as the all-time leader in charges taken in a game, season, and career. At CHS, he took six AP classes and was a three-time state qualifier for DECA. He will be working toward a business degree at Bellevue. 

Parents Debi and Stephen, brother Jonathan – Memorable moment was the San Diego holiday tournament. 

MADISON HUBBARD is heading out to the Mid-West to attend Minnesota State University Mankato. Maddie was part of three district champion teams at CHS. She is the 100-meter school record holder, and place 3rd in the 100-meter race. Maddie excelled in the classroom as a Pride Inside Recipient who also has held a 3.97 GPA. She will be pursuing a degree in Aviation. 

Parents Deja and Nik – Memorable moment was the Bed Bugs at the Oregon Relays. 

ELI HUNTINGTON will be continuing his golf career while also serving our nation as he heads to the Air Force Academy. Eli was our league MVP twice, finished first at districts twice, and had two top five finishes at the state tournament. He led our team to a sixth-place finish in 2023 and fifth place finish in 2022. He will be studying Aeronautical Engineering at the Air Force Academy. 

Parents Brad and Lee, Brother Owen – Memorable moment was playing two years with his brother on the team. 

THEO MCMILLAN is continuing his journey as a student-athlete at Seattle Pacific University. Theo was part of the record breaking 2023 basketball team that was the first boys’ team to make it to the Tacoma Dome where they took home a sixth-place finish. Theo ended his career with 49 wins and eleven other team records including the assist record for a game, season, and career. Theo also played soccer this year and was the GSHL defensive player of the year. He will be pursuing a degree in education and coaching science. 

Parents Sean and Jennifer, sister Lola and brother Eli – Memorable moment was beating Tahoma at the Tacoma Dome in the state playoffs. 

AMELIA MERRITT is heading down to Monmouth to run at Western Oregon University. Amelia lettered four straight years in track and cross country. She helped the track team tack home three district championships and get a 5th place finish in state in 2022. She showed her leadership through her senior project, she created and led her on offseason training group to get the team ready for the season. She will be going in to Dental Hygiene. 

Parents Zoe and Scott – Memorable moment was throwing up at district twice and still finishing her race. 

NORA MELCHER is heading up to Lacey to attend St. Martin’s University and play soccer. Nora is a three-time league champion, two time bi-district champion, and won a state championship in 2021. She was a two-time second team all-league player, and was honored as a first team player this season. She will be pursuing a nursing degree at St Martin’s.
Parents Jessica and Ben, brother Nick, sisters Ivy and Anna – Memorable moment was the San Diego holiday tournament. 

MARCO ORLANDO is heading down to McMinnville to attend Linfield University where he will play soccer. Marco was part of the 2023 League Champion soccer team at CHS, and was part of a state quarter finalist team as well. He is looking forward to Linfield as it is close to home, gives him an opportunity to continue playing, and thinks it is a great fit academically. He is undecided for what degree he will pursue. 

Parents Meredith and Joe – Memorable moment was riding buses to away games with the team. 

HAYDEN REICH is crossing the country to head to Florida and compete at the University of Tampa. Hayden has made a huge impact in our running programs during his time at CHS. He has been part of eight team league championships between Track and Cross Country, while competing with the team at the state level in 2021 and 2022 for cross country and 2022 and 2023 for track. As a two time all region first team runner and two-time league runner of the year, Hayden led the way the last two years. He will be going into business finance at the University of Tampa. 

Parents Erica and Henry – Memorable moment was running in the state cross country meet two times. 

OLAJUWON SOBOMEHIN is heading across the river to continue his wrestling career at Pacific University in Forest Grove. Juwon was part of the 2023 district champion CHS wrestling team. He placed at the district and regional tournaments this year, and got to wrestle at state in the Tacoma Dome. He has been a leader in our student body while being honored as a student of excellence by our social studies department. He will be pursuing a business degree at Pacific. 

Mom Rachel, Dad Niyo, and Stepdad Jon – Memorable moment was placing in regionals, going to state, and being named a team captain. 

JACOB SWENSON will be heading south to play baseball and attend Linfield University. Jake was part of two league championship baseball teams here at CHS while making it to the state sweet sixteen twice. Jake’s performance on the mound, at shortstop, and at the plate earned him first team all-league recognition this year. He lettered three years while also maintaining a 3.9GPA in the classroom. He will be going into Sports Management at Linfield University. 

Parents Diane and Gregg, sister Megan – Memorable moment was getting to play in the state tournament up north. 

ASHLEE TUPPER is heading to Viterbo University to continue pursuing her soccer career. She was part of two league championships, one bi-district championship and a state championship soccer team here at CHS over the two years she competed. She also competed with the Timbers FC Academy while maintaining a 3.86 GPA. She will be going in to Nutrition and Dietetics as she starts her college years. Parents Joe and Julee, brother Luke and sister Jasmyn. 

J.P. WARNELL is staying close to home and will be playing soccer for Clark College next year. JP was part of a league champion team in 2023 and also part of the team that made it to the state quarterfinals in 2022. As a team captain, he was the offensive player of the year this season while being first team all- league. This followed up a second team all-league selection as a junior. He looks to pursue a degree in business. 

Parents Rob and Niki – Memorable moment was the bus robbery in Puyallup his junior year. 

MORGAN WETZEL will also be heading up to Lacey and playing soccer at St. Martin’s University. As a three-time varsity letterman, she won three league championships and was part of the 2021 state championship team. She was a second team all-league selection this season. She also was a leader in our building as a Pride Inside winner in 2019. She will be going into Pre-Law at St. Martin’s. 

Parents Matt and Kirstin – Memorable moment was winning the state title in 2021. 

CHLOE WHITE is heading across the country to attend the University of South Carolina Beaufort where she will play soccer next year. Chloe played one year of soccer at CHS, and made it count as it was the state championship year in 2021. During her high school years, she was able to experience playing overseas in Spain with the Tovo Academy and Villanova FC. She will be pursuing a degree in sociology and criminology. 

Parents Sarah and Lloyd, sister Charlotte. 

KEELY WIECZOREK will be taking her goal stopping skills to Colorado as she will be attending Colorado Mesa University to continue her soccer career. Three league championships, two bi-district championships, one state championship, three first team all-league selections, two first team all-region selections, and one first team all-state selection, Keely racked up the accolades during her four varsity letter years at CHS. She did all that while maintaining a 3.95GPA and earning herself a Pride Inside award as well. She will be going into Biology at Colorado Mesa. 

Parents Ted, Linnea, and sibling Teddy – Memorable moment was winning the title in 2021. 

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SPORTS: Washougal High School Athletes Compete at State Competitions

Washougal, WA — Twenty-four Washougal High School student athletes representing four sports advanced to state competitions this Spring. Golf, tennis, track and field, and equestrian athletes competed against teams in the Washington 2A division to wrap up the spring athletics season. Girls track placed 7th in state, with Washougal High School student Sydnee Boothby taking 1st place in the 800 meter and 2nd place in the 1600 and 3200 meter races.

Golf athletes Mason Acker, Brayden Kassel, Sky Linden, Mather Minnis, Keagan Payne and Katie Zillman competed in state tournaments on Tuesday, May 23 and Wednesday, May 24 in Liberty Lake, Washington.

Washougal High School tennis players Jaisa Wilson and Hadley Jones competed in state matches on Friday, May 26 and Saturday, May 27 at University of Washington. 

“We’ve been doubles partners since our sophomore year and we’ve been first doubles team since our junior year,” said Jaisa Wilson, 12th grade student at Washougal High School.

Equestrian athletes competed at Moses Lake on May 18-21. Kali Buchanan, Natalie Bratton, Braedyn Domeyer, Olivia Eldridge, Lillian Grindy, Aubrey Hettling, Karen Phelps, Carmen Rish, and Hermione Rivera showcased their skills as part of the state equestrian competitions. 

Track and field athletes Holden Bea, Iris Hancock, Tanner Hardley, Kaya Johnson, Tucker Kneipp, Jaden Leonard, Anna Lundberg, Jamie Maas, Kendra Pass, Gracie Perry, Danica Stinchfield, and Elle Thomas compete in events ranging from the high jump, long jump, triple jump, and pole vault to 200, 400, 800, 1600, and 3200 meter races. 

Athletic events are funded by the Washougal School Levy, which Washougal voters generously approved this spring. The EP&O levy supports great opportunities for students to explore their interests, develop their talent, and share their passion with our community for the next three years.

“We’re so proud of these Panther athletes for their hard work across this Spring season, culminating with the chance to compete one more time among the best in Washington,” said Athletic Director Brian Wilde. “Our teams have accomplished amazing things this school year. We’re excited to see what the 2023-24 school year brings for our student athletes, and we’re sure that the class of 2023 senior athletes will continue to make us proud as they move forward to their next steps following graduation.”

Washougal
Washougal
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Union High School Swim Team Clinches District Championship

Kelso, WA — The Union High School Boys swim team clinched the District Championship Saturday with 256 points, narrowly defeating Camas (251 points). The two teams have long been competitive rivals.

In addition to winning Districts, Union swimmers also set multiple meet and pool records in the following events:

  • 400 Free Relay: Sammy Empey, Steve Empey, Alex Wahlman, and Owen Robertson clocked in at 3:10.68, which shaved FIVE seconds off the previous record. 
  • 200 Medley Relay: Sammy Empey, Steve Empey, Alex Wahlman, and Owen Robertson came in at 1:35.86.
  • 200 Free: Sammy Empey set a new record at 1:41.03.
  • 100 Fly: Sammy Empey set a record at 49.15.

This YouTube video report has two interviews: one with Union swimmers, and one with Camas team members Nathan Kim, Isaac Tim, Andrew Wessell, and Henry Webster.

Swim
Union High School boys swim team.
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Washougal Wrestling Teams Advance to Regional Competition This Saturday

Washougal, WA — This week at sub-regional wrestling competitions, both Boys Wrestling and Girls Wrestling teams representing Washougal High School brought home championships. Brody Davis, Ryan Langston, Isaac Gill, Kiersten Lees, Adrienne Locke, and Aliyha Vargas won their respective weight classes. A total of 23 Washougal High School wrestlers are advancing to regional competitions on Saturday, February 11, 2023.

“The Washougal High School wrestling teams are so deserving of this victory. This has been a season of growth, competition, and camaraderie. Their hard work and commitment is paying off,” said Brian Wilde, athletic director at Washougal High School.

Washougal School District celebrates a long tradition of excellence in the wrestling program. Girls wrestling has placed in 12 league championships, two regional championships, and two state championships since 1996. Boys wrestling has placed in nine league championships, four district championships, and six state championships since 1975.

On Saturday, February 11, Boys Wrestling will compete in regionals at Aberdeen High School at 10 am. Girls Wrestling will compete in regionals at Shelton High School on February 11 at 10 am.

Athletic and club events are funded by the Washougal School Levy. The levy supports great opportunities for students to explore their interests, develop their talent, and share their passion with our community.

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Washougal Girls Wrestling team advances to Regionals.
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Eleven Camas High School Students Sign Letters of Intent Wednesday

The Camas High School Athletics Department celebrated 11 student-athletes Wednesday who are making their commitments to higher institutions as part of national signing day by signing their National Letter of Intent.

Each of these seniors have made an impact in their particular sport and now look to challenge themselves at the next level.  

“We wish each of them the best as they forge their paths in the years to come both in the classroom and in their arenas,” the department said in a statement.

In Alphabetical Order:

Zach Blair is a four-year Football and three-year Baseball letterman who is committing to play baseball at Oregon State University.  Zach was part of a state champion football team in 2019, and won three league titles in football and one more in baseball over the past four years.  A first team all-league recipient in both sports, Zach also was named to the first team all-state team as a junior.

Gracie Buzzell is a four-year Cross-Country and Track letterman who is committing to run at Oregon State University.  Gracie was part of teams that placed second and fifth in the state meet, while also taking home two individual district championships.  She served as team captain and was a four time scholar athlete award winner. 

Adrianna Cortes is a two-year Soccer letterman at CHS who is committing to play soccer at Pacific University.  Adrianna was part of 2021 League, Bi-District, and State Champion girls soccer team.  She won accolades from Max Preps as the State Player of the Week, and looks to continue her work in sports medicine by pursuing a major in athletic training and/or physical therapy.

Campbell Deringer is a four-year Swimming letterman who is committing to swim for the University of Nevada Reno.  A four-time first team all-league athlete, Campbell was also the GSHL and All Region swimmer of the year this year.  She won four district championships and finished second in the state in two events this year. 

Maxwell Fraser is a four-year Baseball letterman who is committing to play baseball for Washington State University.  A two-time first team all-league player, Max looks to continue his success this spring.  He was a key part of the league champion team in 2022 that secured a state berth. 

Letter
Eleven CHS students participated in today’s event.

Boston Jensen is a four-year Baseball letterman who is committing to play baseball at Tacoma Community College.  Boston has been part of teams that have taken home both league championships and made it to the state sweet 16.  He has displayed his leadership on the field as a team captain and looks to continue to lead the Papermakers this spring.

Ryan McClaskey is a three-year Baseball letterman who is committing to play baseball at Lower Columbia College.  Ryan was part of a team that took home a league title on the diamond in 2021.  Ryan’s talents on the mound often turn heads in the stands, and he looks to build on his successes at the next level.

Riley Parbon is a two-year Track and Cross-Country letterman who is committing to row at the University of Alabama.  Riley placed second at the American Lake Fall Classic, first at the Portland Fall Classic, and first at a Dual Regatta meet.  Riley will pursue Elementary Education at Alabama and looks forward to contributing to their rowing program for the next four years.

Natalie Peddie is a four-year Cross-Country letterman at CHS who is committing to run for Seattle Pacific University.  Natalie was part of three district champion teams, she won the individual district title in 2022, and finished 16th in the state as well.  Off the course, she took home both the CHS Pride Inside award as a model student and the district wide Milltown Pride Award. 

Aaron Sung is a three-year Baseball letterman who is committing to play baseball for Whitworth University.  Aaron was a key part of the 2022 league champion team that secured a state berth.  After winning the team’s most improved player award in 2022, Aaron looks to build on his successes this spring and in Spokane with the Pirates.

Cami Young is a two-year Volleyball letterman at CHS who is committing to play volleyball at California Lutheran University.  Cami was a leader both on the court and in the huddle with teams that won league titles in 2021 and 2022.  Both years they continued on to the state tournament.  Cami also provided leadership by taking part in a sportsmanship summit her senior year.

Letter
The event was well attended.
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