LONGVIEW — For one quarter, at least, Woodland’s sharp-shooting kept pace with Tumwater’s high-flying offense.
The Beavers opened Thursday’s 2A district winner-to-state, loser-out game making their first four 3-pointers to take an early 12-8 lead.
Then came a landslide from Tumwater that Woodland was unable to stop.
Tumwater raced past Woodland for a 68-43 win to earn a trip to next week’s 2A state regional round after seizing control during a dominant second quarter.
Luke Brewer scored 12 of his game-high 26 points in the second as the Thunderbirds went on a 22-4 run. Brayden Oram, who added 17 points, hit a 3-pointer to beat the buzzer as Tumwater held a commanding 39-20 lead at halftime.
Woodland got within 17 early in the third with back-to-back baskets from Justin Philpot, but the Beavers’ shooting cooled off with just one additional 3 made for the game.
Philpot led Woodland with 17 points and Drew Burns chipped in 12 points.
The two are part of a decorated senior class that also includes Beau Swett, Dane Huddleston and Gus Heidgerken.
Woodland finished third in the 2A Greater St. Helens League, dropped its district playoff opener to Black Hills before rallying in a loser-out game against Columbia River on Tuesday to force Thursday’s winner-to-state matchup against Tumwater.
The Beavers ended their season with a 14-9 record.
TUMWATER 68, WOODLAND 43
TUMWATER (18-5) — David Malroy 0, Luke Reid 5, Andrew Collins 8, Luke Brewer 26, Brayden Oram 17, Gunnar Harroun 5, Nolan Campbell 0, Sahara Anthony 0, Connor Hopkins 5, Henry Wilson 0, Clayton Morgan 0, Beckett Wall 0, Tanner Brewer 2. Totals 25 (8) 10-15 68.
WOODLAND (14-9) — Beau Swett 6, Justin Philpot 13, Dane Huddleston 3, Brett Martynowicz 2, Chase Hall 0, Gus Heidgerken 3, Lucas Logan 0, Elijah Andersen 2, Drew Burns 12, Sam Jeschke 2. Totals 18 (5) 2-6 43.
Tumwater 17 22 17 12—68
Woodland 14 6 13 10—43
