WIAA State Tournament: 2A Championship and 3rd-6th Place Games

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Championship Game</h2>   <p><strong>Lynden Lions def. Prosser Mustangs 59-49</strong></p>   <p>Lynden secured the 2A state championship with a balanced offensive performance and strong rebounding effort in a 59-49 win over Prosser. The Lions jumped out to an early advantage, opening the game on a dominant run that helped them build a double-digit lead in the first quarter. Lynden shot nearly 49 percent from the field and held a 37-26 rebounding advantage, allowing them to control possessions throughout the game. Even when Prosser cut into the deficit during the middle quarters, Lynden responded with timely scoring to maintain separation. Their combination of efficient shooting and control on the glass proved to be the difference in the championship matchup. </p>   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">3rd/5th Place Game</h2>   <p><strong>Ellensburg Bulldogs def. Clarkston Bantams 58-44</strong></p>   <p>Ellensburg secured third place with a strong start that ultimately set the tone for the game. The Bulldogs opened with a 23-point first quarter and extended the lead to 21 by halftime, putting Clarkston in a difficult position early. Ellensburg knocked down 10 three-pointers and finished with a slight edge on the glass while consistently forcing Clarkston to play from behind. The Bulldogs' perimeter shooting created offensive momentum throughout the game. That early offensive surge proved decisive as Ellensburg maintained control the rest of the way. </p>   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">4th/6th Place Game</h2>   <p><strong>Deer Park Stags def. Selah Vikings 65-45</strong></p>   <p>Deer Park closed its tournament with an impressive performance, defeating Selah by 20 points in the 4th/6th place game. After trailing early, the Stags responded with a strong second quarter and gradually built separation the rest of the game. Deer Park shot efficiently from the field and generated 42 points in the paint while forcing turnovers that created extra scoring opportunities. The Stags also produced a 19-2 run during the game that helped shift momentum in their favor. That combination of defensive pressure and interior scoring allowed Deer Park to control the second half.fore the Falcons closed the game with a strong fourth quarter. Woodinville's ability to get to the free throw line proved critical, as the Falcons converted 18 free throws compared to just four for Gonzaga Prep. That late-game efficiency helped Woodinville secure the win.</p>   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Impact Players from the Round</h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">Hermanutz delivered one of the most efficient performances of the championship game, finishing with 17 points while shooting 6-of-8 from the field. She also contributed across the stat sheet with nine rebounds and five assists, showing her ability to impact the game in multiple ways. Hermanutz consistently created offense both for herself and her teammates, helping Lynden maintain rhythm throughout the game. Her ability to control the pace and make smart decisions with the ball was critical in keeping the Lions organized offensively. Performances like that from a lead guard often define championship games.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">Wright carried a significant offensive load for the Mustangs, finishing with 14 points while contributing six rebounds and three assists. She attacked the defense throughout the game and found scoring opportunities both in transition and in the half court. As Prosser attempted to cut into Lynden's early lead, Wright's scoring helped keep the Mustangs within reach. Her defensive activity also produced steals and disrupted passing lanes. Even in defeat, Wright's effort and production were central to Prosser's ability to compete in the championship matchup.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">Standish delivered a dominant all-around performance in the third-place game, finishing with 22 points and 14 rebounds. She knocked down four three-pointers while also controlling the glass, giving Ellensburg extra possessions throughout the game. Her scoring helped the Bulldogs establish their early lead, and her rebounding limited second-chance opportunities for Clarkston. Standish also added three assists and multiple defensive plays, showing her ability to influence the game on both ends of the floor. That level of production made her one of the most impactful players on the court.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">Bryant delivered one of the most explosive scoring performances of the day, leading Deer Park with 24 points. She attacked the basket consistently and converted 11 field goals, helping the Stags build offensive momentum throughout the game. Bryant also contributed defensively with five steals, creating additional scoring opportunities for Deer Park. Her scoring surge played a major role in the Stags' decisive second-half run. When a player can create offense while disrupting the opponent defensively, it often changes the trajectory of a game.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">Kingston provided a strong interior presence for the Vikings, finishing with 15 points while shooting efficiently from the field. She also grabbed six rebounds and added defensive activity in the paint. Kingston consistently attacked inside and created scoring opportunities around the basket. Her ability to finish plays helped Selah remain competitive during stretches of the game. Even in a difficult matchup, her effort in the paint stood out as one of the most impactful performances for the Vikings.</p>