Central Valley Caps Off Undefeated Run with 3A State Title

<p>The Central Valley Bears capped off a perfect season with a 39-34 victory over Lakeside in the 3A Girls State Championship, securing their place in Washington high school basketball history. Their dominance throughout the tournament was led by a well-rounded roster featuring key contributions from multiple players.</p>   <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Road to the Championship</strong></h3>   <p>After a dominant second round victory, CVHS was awarded a bye in the round of 12 and entered the quarterfinals with an unblemished record. Central Valley showed resilience and poise, defeating Kennewick (45-37), Garfield (51-49), and Lakeside (39-34) to complete their perfect run. Each victory highlighted a different strength of the Bears, from dominant rebounding to clutch shot-making. Their ability to close out tight games under pressure was a testament to their experience and chemistry.</p>   <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Standout Performances</strong></h3>   <p>Throughout the tournament, several players stepped up in big moments, proving once again just how deep their roster is.</p>   <p>[player_tooltip player_id='591770' first='Eden' last='Sander'] was the offensive spark Central Valley needed throughout the tournament. Her biggest performance came in the quarterfinal victory over Kennewick, where she led all scorers with 24 points, making an incredible 8-of-11 field goals while also going 8-of-8 from the free-throw line. She was relentless attacking the basket, using her quick first step to get past defenders and draw fouls. Even when the Bears struggled offensively against Lakeside in the championship, Sander still made an impact, adding 8 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 steals. She played with poise in crucial moments, securing the ball late and making smart decisions to keep Central Valley in control. Her consistency throughout the tournament made her one of the most valuable players on the court.</p>   <p>[player_tooltip player_id='366890' first='Brynn' last='McGaughy'] dominated the paint on both ends of the floor, proving to be the backbone of Central Valley's interior defense. In the semifinal win over Garfield, she controlled the glass, pulling down 12 rebounds while also contributing 11 points and 3 blocks. She followed that up with an 11-point, 11-rebound performance in the championship game against Lakeside, making critical defensive plays down the stretch. She was particularly effective at grabbing offensive boards, giving the Bears second-chance opportunities that proved vital in the low-scoring title game. With her ability to alter shots, clean up missed attempts, and finish in the post, McGaughy was instrumental in Central Valley's perfect run.</p>   <p>[player_tooltip player_id='359194' first='Gabbie' last='Wilson'] was the steady floor general that kept Central Valley's offense running smoothly. Her composure under pressure was on full display in the semifinal against Garfield, where she contributed 8 points and 2 assists while limiting turnovers against an aggressive Bulldogs defense. Wilson also showed her defensive prowess in the championship game, recording 3 steals and disrupting Lakeside's ball movement. Though not always the leading scorer, she played a key role in setting up her teammates, moving the ball efficiently, and ensuring the Bears stayed in control late in close games. Her leadership as a point guard allowed Central Valley to maintain its offensive structure even during high-pressure moments.</p>   <p>[player_tooltip player_id='943344' first='Aspen' last='Henry'] played an important role in Central Valley's rebounding efforts, providing toughness in the post and versatility on both ends. She was a key contributor, grabbing 6 rebounds and hitting a crucial three-pointer in the championship game. Against Garfield, she stepped up defensively and snagged 7 rebounds, helping limit second-chance points for the opposition. While not the primary scoring option, Henry's willingness to do the dirty work made her an invaluable part of the rotation. Her ability to stretch the floor with her shooting also forced defenses to step out, creating more driving lanes for teammates.</p>   <p>[player_tooltip player_id='751531' first='Keana' last='Gosney'] played a pivotal two-way role for the Bears, often assigned to guard the opponent's top perimeter scorer while still contributing offensively. In the title game against Lakeside, she scored 7 points, grabbed 2 rebounds, and dished out 3 assists, showing her all-around ability. She had a similarly strong outing in the semifinal against Garfield, scoring 6 points while also recording 5 assists. Gosney's defensive intensity was evident throughout the tournament, as she forced turnovers and disrupted passing lanes to limit opposing shooters. Her ability to step up in different aspects of the game, whether as a playmaker, scorer, or defender, made her one of Central Valley's most important players.</p>   <p>[player_tooltip player_id='928848' first='Drae' last='Domebo'] was Central Valley's X-factor, providing instant offense when the team needed it most. In the semifinal victory over Garfield, she scored 12 points, knocking down two clutch three-pointers that shifted momentum in favor of the Bears. She also added 7 points in the quarterfinal against Kennewick, showing her ability to contribute across multiple games. While not the biggest player on the floor, Domebo's confidence as a shooter and willingness to take big shots made her a dangerous weapon. Her scoring bursts often came at key moments, giving the Bears the offensive boost needed to close out tight games.</p>   <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Championship Game Recap</strong></h3>   <p>The title matchup against Lakeside was a gritty defensive battle, with both teams struggling to find rhythm offensively. Central Valley built an early lead, holding a 25-13 advantage at one point, but Lakeside responded with a 17-3 run to make things close. Despite scoring only 3 points in the third quarter, the Bears locked in defensively in the fourth, allowing just 6 points in the final period to hold on for the victory. [player_tooltip player_id='366890' first='Brynn' last='McGaughy'] and [player_tooltip player_id='591770' first='Eden' last='Sander'] made key defensive stops, while clutch free throws from Sander in the closing moments sealed the 39-34 championship win.</p>   <p>With the final buzzer, Central Valley celebrated not just a state championship, but an undefeated 28-0 season, cementing their legacy as one of the greatest teams in school history. Their balance of elite defense, timely scoring, and incredible depth made them the undisputed best team in 3A girls basketball.</p>

The Central Valley Bears capped off a perfect season with a 39-34 victory over Lakeside in the 3A Girls State Championship, securing their place in Washington high school basketball history. Their dominance throughout the tournament was led by a well-rounded roster featuring key contributions from multiple players.