PUYALLUP — The Skyview girls basketball team has reached the Sweet 16, trying to erase years of frustration by advancing out of the Class 4A bi-district tournament.
The Storm called it a relief. After four consecutive 4A Greater St. Helens League titles, this is the team that is moving beyond bi-district.
“Our goal was to make it to state. Not just win league, but to keep going,” said sophomore Stephanie McDonagh, who was one of several Storm to have big numbers Saturday night.
Skyview recorded 25 assists on its 29 field goals and ripped Auburn Riverside 69-31 in this loser-out contest. The Storm outscored the Ravens 23-0 in the fourth quarter.
Technically, the Storm have not advanced to state. In a change in format this year, teams must make the elite eight to be considered state tournament participants. Instead, Skyview has qualified for the regionals next Saturday. Skyview will play Bethel on Monday in a seeding game.
“I don’t even know what the stats are right now. I am just so proud of how these kids went out and competed tonight,” Skyview coach Jennifer Buscher said. “I’m so proud to be representing Clark County another week.”
Katie Swanson led a balanced attack with 13 points. Larissa Hamilton was 6 of 7 from the floor and scored 12. McDonagh was 4 of 5, including two 3-pointers, for 10 points. She also had five assists and three steals.
Brooke Bowen added nine points with seven assists, and Delaney Keser had nine points and five assists.
As you can see, the Storm made it to regionals with an unselfish brand of ball. All the passes for easier baskets allowed Skyview to shoot 52 percent from the floor.
“It’s a lot of fun because you’re playing with a bunch of people who you know have your back at all times,” McDonagh said.
Skyview’s close to the game — 23-0 — might be difficult to top, but in a way, the way the Storm started the game was more impressive. Skyview scored the first 14 points of the night, making 7 of 9 shots. The two misses were rebounded by the offense, and the Storm would score on those possessions, as well.
“I didn’t look until the end of the quarter,” McDonagh said of the score. “Just play basketball. Hard defense.”
McDonagh buried a 3-pointer with just seconds left in the half to make it 35-17.
The Storm did not necessarily need the fourth-quarter shutout, but it sure made for an emotional celebration. The Storm had plenty to shout about, too, an accomplishment four seasons in the making.
SKYVIEW 69, AUBURN RIVERSIDE 31
AUBURN RIVERSIDE — Erin Bang 2, Shantel Jackson 6, Jalea Crump 3, Ilona Synder 5, Kendall Foster 8, Karina Gee 7, Totals 12 (1) 6-7 31.
SKYVIEW — Stephanie McDonagh 10, Delaney Keser 9, Brooke Bowen 9, Larissa Hamilton 12, Katie Swanson 13, Jocelyn Adams 8, Aubrey Ward-El 7, Meggan Rakoz 1, Katie Hendricks 0, HJ Adams 0, Cassie Swartz 0, Carli Fultz 0. Totals 29-56 (3-7) 8-14 69.
Auburn Riverside 6 11 14 0–31
Skyview 21 14 11 23–69
