In a midseason battle between two of Washington’s best 2A girls basketball teams, Washougal controlled the tempo and beat visiting Port Angeles 65-54 on Saturday, Jan. 25.
Washougal High School’s gymnasium was packed with fans and included several scouts from other top 2A teams, traveling from as far as Olympia to analyze the Panthers (13-2 overall, 7-0 2A Greater St. Helens League) and the Rough Riders (12-4 overall), both of whom are expected to be contenders at the 2A Hardwood Classic in March.
The game was a big test for the Panthers, who lost their season-opening game to W.F. West, a team that Port Angeles beat on Dec. 14.
“It feels good to win against them because it really hurt to lose against W.F. West to open the season,” Washougal senior co-captain McKinnley Stotts said.
“I really think some teams may be underestimating us because we lost a few games early in the season,” Panthers junior guard McKenna Jackson added.