WIAA State Tournament: 1A Championship and 3rd-6th Place Games

<!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Championship Game</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Zillah Leopards def. King's Knights 63-51</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Zillah closed out the 1A tournament with a strong offensive performance to defeat King's 63-51 in the championship game. The Leopards shot efficiently throughout the contest, finishing over 45 percent from the field while also converting 16-of-19 free throws. After a tight first half, Zillah created separation in the second half with consistent scoring and a 14-0 run that shifted the momentum. The Leopards also controlled the glass and generated second-chance opportunities that helped maintain their lead. That balanced offensive effort allowed Zillah to steadily pull away down the stretch. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">3rd/5th Place Game</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Royal Knights def. Lynden Christian Lyncs 44-42</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Royal secured third place in one of the closest games of the day with a narrow 44-42 win over Lynden Christian. The game featured multiple lead changes and remained tight from start to finish as neither team was able to gain consistent separation. Royal found its offensive rhythm in the fourth quarter, scoring 18 points to help close the game. Lynden Christian held an advantage on the glass, but Royal capitalized on key scoring opportunities late. In a matchup defined by small margins, those late possessions proved decisive.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">4th/6th Place Game</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Annie Wright Gators def. Bellevue Christian Vikings 47-41 (OT)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Annie Wright finished its tournament with a hard-fought overtime victory over Bellevue Christian. The Gators built an early lead, but Bellevue Christian battled back to force extra time after a competitive fourth quarter. In overtime, Annie Wright delivered key baskets to secure the six-point win. The Gators generated a major contribution from their bench while also forcing turnovers that created additional scoring chances. Their ability to execute during the extra period ultimately sealed the victory.cal, as the Falcons converted 18 free throws compared to just four for Gonzaga Prep. That late-game efficiency helped Woodinville secure the win.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Impact Players from the Round</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"June Finader","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2027","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"null","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"12123","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Zillah","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69add7f5a02fe"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Fiander delivered one of the most dominant performances of championship night, finishing with 25 points while shooting 9-of-14 from the field. She attacked the defense throughout the game and converted efficiently both inside and from the perimeter. Fiander also contributed six rebounds and five assists, showing her ability to impact the game beyond scoring. Her offensive consistency helped Zillah maintain control during key stretches of the second half. When the Leopards needed momentum, Fiander repeatedly provided it.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["585032"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69add7f5a0369"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Anderson led King's with 18 points while also pulling down 12 rebounds for a double-double performance. She consistently attacked the basket and created scoring opportunities throughout the game. Anderson's rebounding helped keep King's within reach by generating extra possessions. She also contributed as a facilitator, adding assists while helping initiate the offense. Her effort on both ends of the floor was central to the Knights' ability to compete throughout the championship matchup.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Lauren Wardenaar","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2029","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'10u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"12125","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Royal","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69add7f5a03f2"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Wardenaar delivered a strong all-around performance in Royal's narrow victory, leading the team with 18 points. She also grabbed five rebounds and added defensive plays, including multiple steals, to help control the pace of the game. Wardenaar consistently attacked the basket and converted at the free throw line during key moments. Her scoring helped Royal respond whenever Lynden Christian threatened to take control. In a game decided by just two points, those contributions proved critical.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1151408"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69add7f5a043c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Dykstra led Lynden Christian with 19 points and was the primary scoring option throughout the game. She knocked down three three-pointers and consistently created offense despite defensive pressure. Dykstra also helped spark offensive runs during the second half as the Lyncs pushed to regain the lead. Her scoring kept the game competitive deep into the fourth quarter. Performances like that from a perimeter scorer often define close tournament games.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["663665"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69add7f5a047f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Martin delivered a standout performance for Annie Wright, leading the Gators with 25 points. She knocked down five three-pointers and provided the offensive spark that kept Annie Wright in control during key stretches. Martin consistently found scoring opportunities both in transition and in half-court situations. Her perimeter shooting forced Bellevue Christian to extend its defense, creating additional space for teammates. That scoring presence was a major factor in Annie Wright's overtime victory.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["928029"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69add7f5a04bf"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Skogstad carried a significant offensive load for the Vikings, finishing with 22 points while playing nearly the entire game. She consistently attacked the basket and also contributed five rebounds. Skogstad's scoring helped Bellevue Christian stay within striking distance throughout the contest. She also made key plays late that helped force overtime. Even in defeat, her performance stood out as one of the most impactful efforts of the game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->