Boys basketball: Columbia River 65, R.A. Long 42

The Monarchs’ reign is officially over.

The Columbia River boys basketball team clinched the 2A Greater St. Helens League title outright Tuesday with a win over R.A. Long in Longview.

That ends Mark Morris’ streak of 18 years with at least a share of the league title.

With the win, Columbia River (16-2, 10-0) clinched the title with two games to spare. The Chieftains and Mark Morris split the title last season.

“The kids have been approaching each game perfectly,” River coach David Long said. “They haven’t been coming into any game and playing like they have a big lead.”

Evan Dirksen scored eight of his game-high 18 points in the first quarter as River jumped to a 23-10 lead.

Nate Snook scored seven of his nine points in that quarter. Caden Dezort and Alex Miller each finished with 10 points.

Jacob Thompson scored 15 points to lead R.A. Long (5-14, 3-8).

COLUMBIA RIVER 65, R.A. LONG 42

COLUMBIA RIVER — Nate Snook 9, Alex Miller 10, Quincy Cartwright 0, Matt Asplund 0, Josh Kukula 3, Evan Dirksen 18, Caden Dezort 10, Cole Delich 1, Jack Armstrong 4, Marc Miranda 6, Michael Foust 1, Dylan Valdez 3. Totals 24 (9) 6-12 65.

R.A. LONG — Ryan Plampin 14, Dana Cathcart 3, Cameron Holden 0, Jacob Thompson 15, Jamond Harris 0, Tristen Arruda 4, Jadon Williamson 6, Aaron Ofstun 0, Kevin Barnett 0, Alex Stephens 0, Jake Anderson 0, Gage Kotera 0. Totals 13 (4) 12-15 42.

Col.River 23 17 12 13–65

R.A. Long 10 10 10 12–42

JV — River 52-30.

C — River 67-33.