4A girls state basketball: Camas plays best version of itself in 70-52 win over Lake Stevens

TACOMA — The Camas girls basketball team might’ve defined team basketball to a perfection on Wednesday. 

The Papermakers’ 70-52 victory over Lake Stevens included 20 assists on 28 field goals, nine players tallying points and the entire roster seeing the floor in its Round of 12 victory at the Tacoma Dome. 

The win sends the defending Class 4A state champions (18-7) to Thursday’s 5:30 p.m. quarterfinal against Sumner. 

Keirra Thompson led the Papermakers with a team-best 19 points and 11 assists, and Sophie Buzzard had 12 points on 6 of 12 shooting. 

“Different people hit fire throughout the game,” Thompson said. “We just played really well and shared the ball, and I thought we got it done really well.”

But the team basketball aspect also included big contributions from Camas’ youth. Sophomore Lauren Hood had 10 points and six rebounds and Eli Gibson, another sophomore, had all nine of her points in 7 first-half minutes off the bench. 

Gibson was a perfect 3 of 3 from long distance, including a left-corner 3 at the first-half buzzer that gave Camas a 35-23 halftime cushion. 

“Most of all,” Gibson said, “I had a lot of fun playing with my team. I thought it wasn’t just one person; it was a whole team effort. Everyone had their role.”

Lake Stevens cut Camas’ lead to 55-50 with 4:27 left in the game, but got no closer. A Hood 3 quickly extended the lead back to eight, and reached double digits at 62-50 with 2:30 to go. 

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CAMAS 70, LAKE STEVENS 52

LAKE STEVENS — Ryden Power 0, Griffyn Eyman 7, Tessa Anastasi 3, Rosie Gasaway 0, Autumn Swobody 2, Kendel Kuehl 4, Kamryn STrom 0, Addy Baker 0, Laila Njie 0, Keira Isabelle Tupua 15, Dara Olotu 0, Noelani Tupua 21. Totals 22 (2) 6-9 52. 

CAMAS — De’Chaiya Gentle 4, Sophie Buzzard 12, Baylie Farra 9, Lauren Hood 10, Keirra Thompson 19, Eli Gibson 9, Lila McCarthy 4, Isla Lucero 1, Mackenna Kvistad 2, Mia Hamilton 0, Shaylee Stephen 0, Katryna Green 0. Totals 28 (13) 1-2 70.

Lak. Ste. 12 11 14 15 – 52

Camas 19 16 12 23 – 70