No player on this season’s Union girls basketball team had tasted victory over rival Camas.
Until Thursday, that is.
Jalise Chatman and Brooklynn Haywood each scored 20 points to lead Union past the visiting Papermakers 68-43.
It’s the Titans’ first win in the rivalry since May 25, 2021 in that year’s spring COVID season.
More importantly, it sets up a clash Friday at Camas that will likely decide the Class 4A Greater St. Helens League title.
Thursday’s game was rescheduled from Jan. 22, when a snapped cable on one of the Union High baskets forced a postponement.
Since then, Camas has had bad luck with injuries and was without star point guard Keirra Thompson and senior guard Sophie Buzzard on Thursday.
Papermakers coach Scott Thompson said he wasn’t sure either would play Friday. Neither will play until 100 percent, he said, citing the need for his team to be healthy in the postseason.
Union (15-2, 3-1) got contributions from a supporting cast on a night when shots weren’t falling for Haywood, who is averaging nearly 30 points per game.
Janessa Chatman scored 12 points and made three 3-pointers in the first quarter, spurring the Titans to a 25-12 lead. Sophomore Myla Larry added 10 points and was aggressive on defense.
“We got some good contributions throughout the lineup,” Union coach Gary Mills said. “Brooklynn opens up opportunities for others just by being on the court.”
Trailing 35-23 at halftime, Camas pulled within 40-31 on back-to-back 3-pointers by Eliana Gibson. But the Titans responded with 14-2 run thanks to six points by Jalise Chatman.
Isla Lucero scored 13 points while De’Chaiya Gentle and Gibson each added 11 points for Camas (15-4, 4-1).
WOODLAND 73, R.A. LONG 43 — Sophomore Kennedy Bockert recorded a school-record 39 points and grabbed 22 rebounds to keep the Beavers in a first-place tie in the 2A GSHL.
Bockert shot 17 of 28 from the floor, including 15 of her team’s 22 second-quarter points for a 38-18 halftime lead.
Makynzie Guthrie added 10 points, Addi Stading had seven points and seven rebounds, and Lainey Haden added seven points and four assists.
MARK MORRIS 72, HOCKINSON 39 — Kadence Gorans continued her double-digit scoring efforts in what Monarchs coach Sean Atkins called a “good team win.”
Gorans led MM with 16 points on 7 of 9 shooting and Kialani Makaiwi was one rebound shy of a double-double (11 points, nine rebounds).
Zienita Stidum led the Hawks with 11 points and Dannika Grant added eight.
COLUMBIA RIVER 87, HUDSON’S BAY 12 — The Rapids had four players reach double figures in scoring to keep pace atop the 2A GSHL in a first-place tie.
Kaya Mirtich’s game-best 14 points highlighted the Rapids’ effort. Reese Dunning added 13, Cami Drake had 12 and Charmayne Castro chipped in 11.
RIDGEFIELD 50, WASHOUGAL 41 — Sava Chanda’s 14 points and 12 points from Josie Hicks helped the Spudders to their third straight win in league play.
The Panthers got double-digit scorers from Jenna Klopman (14 points), Addi Gibbons (13) and Teja Slyter (11).
KING’S WAY CHRISTIAN 40, LA CENTER 23 — Addison Bagley’s double-double of 23 points and 10 rebounds paced the Knights in their 10th league win.
Kate Kesler added six points and eight rebounds and Bridget Quinn posted nine rebounds and six assists.
STEVENSON 54, CASTLE ROCK 46 — Aria Obias’ game-best 24 points paced the Bulldogs in their 1A Trico victory to pull into a fifth-place with Castle Rock at 4-8.
Dakota Davis led the Rockets with 19 points.
