Few high school basketball teams end their season on a win.
Even fewer — such as the Hudson’s Bay girls basketball team — end their season with a loss coupled with tears of joy amid a celebration.
That’s what occurred two weeks ago at the Class 2A girls basketball state tournament in Yakima. The Eagles hoisted the program’s first state trophy in girls basketball, despite a 66-59 loss to Archbishop Murphy to finish their season 19-5 and sixth at state.
Players and coaches shed happy tears. Not senior point guard Aniyah Hampton.
“I was actually shocked,” she said. “I don’t think it’s truly hit me yet, but I’m sure it will.”
And there’s a high probability that’s the final time Hampton will play organized basketball.
Hampton, The Columbian’s All-Region girls basketball player of the year, said this week she’s learning toward not playing basketball in college.
She’s already been accepted into her “dream school” — the University of Oregon — and wants to earn a degree in business or marketing. Naturally, Hampton wants a career involving sports.
“I definitely want to stay in sports,” she said.
And basketball has been a major road in Hampton’s travels.
She burst onto the scene three years ago as a freshman to lead Bay in scoring, then capped her high school career hitting 1,000 career points in a consolation win over West Valley of Spokane at state.
In that game, Hampton scored 16 points and also had seven assists and six steals as the Eagles rallied to score 13 points the final 2 minutes to guarantee the program’s first state trophy. Teammates and coaches also celebrated Hampton’s personal accomplishment of surpassing 1,000 career points.
The next morning was all about reflection before the early-morning 8 a.m. tipoff of the fourth-place game. Reflection of a season, a career and a sport that’s left a lasting impression starting with friendships.
“I’m definitely grateful for what it’s taken me and all the friendships I’ve made along the way. I know some of them will be lifelong friends. I’m very grateful for the impact it’s had on my life. And teaching me how to grow up with a team and be a leader and all those great things that come along the way.”
And along the way came history at Bay. Players’ pregame warmup shirts this season read “Make History,” which the Eagles accomplished.
A lot to be proud of upon reflection for Hampton.
“We’ve done that every year here,” she said. “Every year, we brought something back to the trophy case or made history of going to state. I’m definitely proud of that as a team, and I’m just proud of my career.”
REST OF FIRST TEAM ALL-REGION GIRLS BASKETBALL
Natalie Fraley, Kelso
Utah State signee powered Hilanders through the 3A GSHL, bi-districts untouched. First Tacoma Dome appearance for Kelso since 2008.
Jaiden Bea, Washougal
Idaho signee, 2A GSHL co-MVP was team leader in multiple categories, including points, rebounds and blocks. Led Panthers back to 2A state tournament.
Addison Harris, Camas
4A GSHL MVP was a consistent double-double machine and inside force for the Papermakers.
Reagan Jamison, Camas
Put Papermakers on her shoulders to help program earn its first state trophy. Led 4A tournament in rebounds, team-best 17.5 points in four state games.
Keanna Salavea, Heritage
Timberwolves’ leading scorer and rebounder is a three-time all-league pick at forward.
SECOND TEAM ALL-REGION GIRLS BASKETBALL
Miranda Lomax, R.A. Long
Lumberjills’ late-season run to reach district playoffs powered by the senior point guard.
Mahalia Harrison, Hudson’s Bay
One of three Eagles to average double figures. 2A all-tournament pick went for 26 points, 10 rebounds in team’s final state game.
Paytin Ballard, Hudson’s Bay
Inside? Outside? Senior guard was asked to be more of an inside presence this season, and delivered.
Savea Mansfield, Washougal
Whatever it takes to win, Mansfield does. Shot 39 percent from 3-point range, and also ranks fourth all-time at Washougal for steals.
Ava Smith, Camas
Got range? The Papermakers’ all-league sophomore guard does. Helped Camas set single-game, 4A tournament records for 3-pointers.
Skylar Groesbeck, Skyview
Three-sport athlete had a breakout year on the hardwood as a first-team all-4A GSHL pick.
