Women on a mission

The Washougal High School girls basketball team heads to Mark Morris on a mission Wednesday.

After gaining league victories against Hudson’s Bay, R.A. Long, Woodland and Hockinson, these Panthers are determined to defeat the Monarchs for the first time.

Tip-off is at 7 p.m., at Mark Morris High School.

This is a win seniors RaeAnn Allen, Alyssa Blankenship, Sierra Carroll and Alissa Lenczowski have been salivating for since they joined the program as freshmen.

“Nobody has taken their crown,” said head coach Brian Oberg. “It would be nice to go there and take it from them, and force them to have to come here and take it back.”

Washougal beat Hockinson 59-50 Monday. Beyonce Bea scored 18 points and grabbed 10 rebounds for the Panthers. Allen and Blankenship both added 14 points and five rebounds.

Oberg said the Panthers led by as many as 13 points in the first half, before letting the Hawks back into the game on 19 turnovers.

Washougal regained its composure, and made clutch foul shots down the stretch to secure the victory.

“To come out to Hockinson and lead wire-to-wire was a good feeling,” Oberg said. “They’ve had our number in the past.”

A 26-13 swing in the second half led the Panthers to a 42-30 victory over Woodland Friday, in Washougal. Bea scored 11 points, blocked five shots and snagged four rebounds. Allen added nine points. Blankenship and Lindsey Thomas each netted eight.

Back-to-back baskets off steals helped the Panthers gain the lead for good at the start of the third quarter.

Washougal obliterated R.A. Long 77-38 Wednesday, in Longview. Blankenship racked up 26 points, 13 rebounds, eight assists and three steals. Bea earned 18 points and eight rebounds. Allen finished with 14 points, four assists, two steals and two blocked shots.