3/2/19: Lynden Christian coach Brady Bomber talks to his team during the 1A state championship game. PHOTO: Ted House
Lyncs Come Up Short in 1A Title Game
March 2, 2019
The Lynden Christian girls basketball team were struck by lightning Saturday. The La Salle Lightning hit the Lyncs with crushing defense in the 4th quarter en-route to a 1A state championship clinching 56-49 victory in the Yakima SunDome.
Trailing 45-to-37 after 3 quarters of play, No. 1 La Salle outscored the Lyncs 19-to-4 in the final frame to complete an undefeated season and take home the first place trophy.
With just over 3-minutes left to play, La Salle's Kamryn Fiscus hit two back-to-back 3-pointers. The first tied the game, the second gave the Lightning a lead they would not relinquish. Discus ended up with 15 points, while teammate Trista Hull turned in a 19 points/10 rebounds double-double.
It was a surprising ending for the defending state champion Lyncs. Number 3 Lynden Christian had a lead as big as 10 in the 2nd quarter and led the contest for over 21 minutes in all. But La Salle's pressing defense proved to be too much, forcing the Lyncs into 18 turnovers that lead to 23 points.
Senior Isabela Hernandez led LC with 13 points and 7 rebounds. Riley Dykstra finished with 11 points and 5 boards in the loss.
Despite losing just their 4th game of the year, Lynden Christian coach Brady Bomber had nothing but praise for his team and especially his seniors in Hernandez, Josie Bocci and Grace Sterk.
"This group of girls has given everything they had this season. We are very proud of them, said Bomber. "Josie, Grace and Isabela are young ladies of high integrity who have been great Lady Lyncs and represent all the things we value in our program. They are humble, unselfish, and incredibly hard workers. It’s disappointing we couldn’t find a way to win but this group of girls left everything on the floor today. They represented their community with dignity and class."
Hernandez and Dykstra were named to the All Tournament first team. Sterk was named to the second team. The second place Lyncs end their season with a record of 23-and-4.
- Doug Lange
