Panthers win vicious battle with Monarchs

Tianna Barnett, Beyonce Bea and Toryi Midland ripped away rebounds.

McKinley Stotts scored seven points during a critical stretch in the fourth quarter.

Mason Oberg finished with 16 points in the game.

When the dust finally settled in the jungle, the Washougal Panthers defeated the Mark Morris Monarchs 46-40 Monday to remain all alone in first place in league.

Oberg nailed two 3-pointers in the game’s first six minutes, and Kiara Cross ringed in a three, to give the Panthers a 15-6 lead in the first quarter.

Washougal got up by as many as 11 in the second quarter, and coasted into halftime leading 26-19. Oberg had a dozen points.

Mark Morris turned the tables by outscoring Washougal 16-6 in the third quarter. The Panthers finished strong on a 14-5 run in the fourth quarter to secure a vicious victory.

Oberg finished the game with 16 points and seven rebounds. Bea had nine points, 10 rebounds and two blocks. Stotts collected eight points and five rebounds. Barnett earned eight rebounds and four points.

Washougal (8-1, 10-4) goes to Columbia River (6-4, 10-8) Tuesday, and then hosts the Chieftains Thursday. The Panthers wrap up league at Woodland (6-3, 11-6) Monday. All three games begin at 7 p.m.

Columbia River and Washougal are facing each other for the first time this week. Snow delayed these games until the end of the season.

Woodland beat Washougal 54-50, back on Jan. 20.

The Panthers have the inside track to the title, but nothing has been settled yet in the 2A Greater St. Helens League.

Read more in Thursday’s print edition of the Post-Record.