Tag Archive for: Sports

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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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

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.

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

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.

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.

Wrestling
Washougal Girls Wrestling team advances to Regionals.

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.

Camas, WA — All games between Camas and Skyview High School baseball teams have been postponed— some say indefinitely — due to allegations of racist taunting at Wednesday’s junior varsity game at Camas. Both teams are Class 4A Greater St. Helens League contenders.

Eyewitnesses from both teams allege that a Camas JV player hurled racial taunts at a black Skyview player during Wednesday’s game.

“He made ape sounds against a black Skyview player,” a Camas parent said, on condition of anonymity.

At least two Skyview parents, and one Camas parent, have the alleged incident on video. Lacamas Magazine hasn’t seen those videos.

“I didn’t actually hear it myself,” said another Camas parent. “I was there to watch, but I know other parents do have evidence of what happened.”

He said this case is similar to a recent racial taunting incident at a Vancouver youth soccer game.

Skyview Baseball issued the following statement on Thursday: “We are postponing tonight’s game with Camas due to some serious incidents that took place at yesterday’s JV game at Camas. Skyview families, please watch for a message from Principal Andy Meyer. The message will be sent to Skyview staff and families.”

Baseball

Camas High School Athletic Director, Rory Oster, issued this statement Thursday afternoon:

“Hello Papermaker Families,

“This morning, we received a report that CHS athletes on the field used racial slurs during a baseball game against Skyview HS. We take these reports seriously and are currently working with Vancouver Public Schools to determine precisely what happened during the game. As a result, today’s Skyview/CHS Varsity and JV games have been postponed. 

“All students deserve to feel respected and supported, including students visiting our campus.  Harassment, intimidation, and bullying, including racial slurs, are not tolerated in our school community. We will work to make sure that we get to the bottom of this, including assigning discipline as appropriate. Our goal is to make sure that learning happens for our students and that repair and restoration are made to those harmed.”

Skyview High School has filed a complaint with WIAA, and there’s been limited discussion about cancelling all games with Camas for the remainder of this season.

This is a roundup of Camas High School sports (football, soccer, volleyball, swimming) over the last few days.

State Football Playoffs! Camas Defeats Puyallup 17-7; Advances to Quarterfinals 

Camas came from behind in the third quarter Friday night (7-3 at halftime) to score two touchdown passes from QB Taylor Ioane to Brock Thornburg and Mark Thorkelson, which would seal the deal and advance the Papermakers to State Quarter Finals this weekend.

Twenty-six flags were called tonight (16 against Puyallup that cost them 180 yards).

Sports
Camas Football advances to State quarter finals.

State Playoffs: Camas High Girls Soccer Team Defeats West Valley (Yakima) 3-2; Advances to Final Four

The Papermakers hosted the Rams at Doc Harris Saturday with Emerson Grafton scoring the first goal. The Rams tied it up in the second half, and Papermaker Maya Parman answered back with a 30-yard goal! She was followed by a goal from Bella Burns to seal the victory.

Camas heads to Puyallup for the last leg of the State Tournament. Final Four!

Volleyball Moves Onto State

After losing their first Bi-Districts match last week, the Camas Volleyball team fought their way back through the loser’s bracket and will compete at State.

Girls Swim Team Wraps Up Season 

Federal Way, WA — The Camas Girls Swim team returned to the WIAA State Swimming and Diving Championships this weekend for the first time since 2019 due to the pandemic.

The Papermakers sent seven athletes overall to compete in three relays and four individual events. 

The Camas 200 Free Relay team (Sophia Wade, Zoe Chapin, Campbell Deringer, and Sydney King) took 11th overall at Saturday’s State Swimming Championships. Deringer competed at Finals for both her individual events (200 IM and 100 Breast) finishing 5th and 11th in state respectively. 

Lila McGeachy and Sophia Wade made finals for the 500 Free and the 100 Free respectively. 

“It’s an honor to represent Camas at State,” said Deringer. “It was nice to have so many of us there. We had several PR’s.”

Camas sports teams performed well Monday night. Here’s a fun report about how they did.

Boys Golf

Last night in the match against Heritage, and the previously unbeaten team from Col. River, Camas won both matches with a score of 152.  Camas @ 152  Col. River @ 169  Heritage @ 244. Eli Huntington, the match medalist, led the team with an even par 36.  Owen Huntington @ 38, Evan Chen @ 38, & Caleb Shira @ 40 finished up the Varsity scoring.   Cameron Miller with a 43 was the match medalist in the JV match.    Varsity 10-0   JV 11-0

Volleyball

Camas Varsity wins 3-0

25-10, 25-9, 25-9

Varsity Stats:

Kiah Hollister- 3 service points, 5 Digs

Delaney Clark – 1 Dig, 5 kills

Grace Varsek – 5 Kills, 1 service point, 7 digs

Chloe Ascuitto – 8 Kills, 2 block

Jessie Westby – 2 digs, 1 ace, 2 service points

Sydney Moltrum – 30 assists, 11 Service points, 4 digs

Emmy Hansen – 11 kills, 14 service points, 2 aces

Alliyah Barnes – 6 Kills, 2 digs, 8 service points, 8 aces

JV wins 3-0

Soccer

Camas JV 

Camas (9) – Mt. View (0)

Pyper Wise-Cruz (Becca Reyes), Ella Tennant (Addie Wunderli), Grace Rainey (Kaylie DeMerrit), Summer Craft, Paeton Curl (Brooklyn Jardine), DeMerrit (Savannah Kvistad), Jardine (Riley Hodson), Kvistad (Emma Hoskinsson).

Saves: Riley Hodson (2), Paeton Curl (1)

Camas Varsity

Camas (4) – Mt. View (0)

Halftime 2-0

Bella Burns (Anna Mooney), Lily Loughney (Maya Parman), Nora Melcher (Parman), Josephine Rein (Parman).

Saves: Keely Wieczorek (2), Adriana Cortes (2).

Tennis

Boys’ JV tennis beat Union 4-2 yesterday. Doubles were played in all 6 matches. Wins were earned by Aiden McOmie/Julian McOmie, Jeffrey Johanson/Ethan Tobey, Zach Mello/Logan Fishler and Kyle Wen/Jackson Waldbauer. C team also beat the Titans 3-0. Way to go, Camas!

Slow Pitch Softball

Chloe Parker did the opposing team no favors on Monday, picking up five hits over six at bats and leading the Papermakers to a 20-10 win over Skyview. Parker totaled 4 singles and 1 double with 6 RBIs. Piper Stroh also drove in 5 runs with her 4 hits for the game. Other standouts include; Lauren Baffaro 3 for 6, Ali Snyder 3 for 5 w/ 1 RBI, Maggie Lyons 3 for 5 with 1 RBI, Amelia Marcum 4 for 5 with 2 RBIs, Grace Barsness 3-5 2 RBIs, and Addy Cagle 2-2 with 1 RBI. Way to go Makers!

Camas