The Panthers ended another spectacular year of girls basketball as one of the top 12 teams in the state.
The young team has much to be proud of after three consecutive trips to the 2A Girls Hardwood Classic in Yakima. However, losing 55-46 in the first round, to the Lynden Lions, was a difficult experience for players, coaches and the team’s loyal fans, who brought a small sea of orange and black to the Sundome on Wednesday, Feb. 28.
“We wanted to win so badly, it’s just so hard right now, but I know it will be different next year,” Washougal junior Beyonce Bea, this year’s league MVP, said, fighting back tears after the game.
The Washougal girls had a tougher road to Yakima than expected this season after clinching the league championship — itself an impressive feat, considering that two of last year’s starters transferred to Union High and the Panthers’ head coach, Britney Knotts, was leading the team for the first time.
The Panthers fell into a challenging position after an unexpected first-round loss to Columbia River in the district tournament. With their backs up against the wall, the Panthers had to win three straight games to punch a return ticket to the state tournament. They won all three of those playoff games by wide margins.