4A girls basketball: Camas comes up short against Bellarmine Prep

PUYALLUP — Camas girls basketball coach Chuck Knight had a simple explanation for his team’s performance Saturday.

“I just think that it wasn’t our day,” he said.

That kind of day ended the team’s season. Bellarmine Prep rolled to a 59-34 victory in a Class 4A state regional playoff at Puyallup High School. The Lions will go to the Tacoma Dome for the state quarterfinals.

Camas finished 18-6, a win shy of the final eight.

“Not everybody wins. Everybody has a loss at some point,” Camas senior Nikki Corbett said. “There can only be one winner, and we made it to the final 16 in state. That’s pretty good. I hope they can get there again.”

Corbett, who will be playing at Western Washington University next year, scored 16 points in her final appearance for the Papermakers.

“I’m going to miss my teammates a lot. Nobody’s ever going to replace them,” Corbett said.

She specifically pointed out Brenna Khaw, the only other senior starter.

“I’m going to miss her as my teammate, as my point guard,” Corbett said. “I wish it didn’t have to stop here.”

Bellarmine Prep made sure it ended Saturday, outscoring the Papermakers 19-8 in the second quarter. Camas never threatened the rest of the game.

Shalyse Smith scored 21 points for the Lions. Claire Martin had 15 points, nine rebounds, and five blocked shots.

The Bellarmine Prep defense frustrated Camas all night, too, forcing 29 turnovers.

It was just one of those days, Knight said, but the result cannot wipe away the 2014-15 campaign. Camas made it to state after winning a share of the 4A Greater St. Helens League title.

“It was still an excellent season,” Knight said. “We accomplished a lot of things. I’m very proud of the kids.”

BELLARMINE PREP 59, CAMAS 34

CAMAS — Meghan Finley 0, Brenna Khaw 7, Emma Jones 2, Nikki Corbett 16, Courtney Clemmer 2, Teague Schroeder 0, Madison Freeman 2, Rachel Gray 3, Mia Hunt 0, Noora Monghate 2, Stephanie Knight 0, Jordyn Wilds 0. Totals 11-46 (1-6) 11-18 34.

BELLARMINE PREP — Shalyse Smith 21, Madeline Garcia 4, Shelby Gavigan 1, McKenzie Alton 10, Clair Martin 15, Jayana Ervin 6, Daizanique Anderson 2, Jenny Hagle 0, Maddy Graves 0, Maya Willis 0, Maggie Smith 0, Hailey Maher 0. Totals 24-58 (0-3) 11-17 59.

Camas 7 8 9 10—34

Bellarmine Prep 9 19 12 19—59