YAKIMA – Columbia River girls basketball coach Tee Anderson gave her seniors one final assignment.
It’s a group that Anderson lauds for always following instructions. But this last task had nothing to do with technique or play execution.
Rather, after a season-ending 65-35 loss to Archbishop Murphy in the consolation round of the Class 2A state tournament, it was to face the reality that all high school careers eventually end.
“I told my seniors to talk to the younger ones,” Anderson said. “Nobody prepares you for this moment, the last time you wear a River jersey. Those practices where maybe you don’t want to go hard or you’re hearing me yell at you, you’ve got to take that and understand it’s going to come to an end.”
That senior class of Marly Myers, Peyton Dukes, Camy Drake, Kaya Mirtich and Charmayne Castro has accomplished plenty in the two seasons Anderson has coached the Rapids. The back-to-back 2A Greater St. Helens League champs reached the state quarterfinals both years after the program hadn’t gotten than far since 1992.
But a loss to top-seeded Lynden on Thursday followed by Friday’s defeat brought Columbia River’s season to an end at 21-6.
“I’m just proud that they come together when moments get really tough,” Anderson said. “This group is so close off the court too. I don’t ever have to deal with attitude or that extra stuff that comes with coaching basketball.”
A school in Everett, Archbishop Murphy clinched it third consecutive state trophy. The Wildcats started fast, leading 20-10 after the first quarter and 37-22 at halftime.
Archbishop Murphy (24-3) then clamped down in the second half, holding the Rapids to 13 points.
Junior guard Gracie Glavin led Columbia River with 15 points.
ARCHBISHOP MURPHY 65, COLUMBIA RIVER 35
COLUMBIA RIVER (21-6) — Olivia Carroll 4, Marley Myers 1, Peyton Dukes 3, Camy Drake 3, Charmayne Castro 0, Raegan Dukes 0, Mikayla King 7, Kaya Mirtich 2, Avi Desjarlais 0, Gracie Glavin 15. Totals 11 (3) 10-16 35.
ARCHBISHOP MURPHY (24-3) — Kyla Fryberg 3, Brooke Blachly 21, Kayla Hoofkin 6, Taylor Cushing 5, Bella Ives 6, Ashley Fletcher 6, Olivia Miller 0, Skylar Cohen 0, Ava Marr 7, Kani Cham 2, Celine Wright 9, MJ Ramirez Hernandez 0. Totals 18 (5) 24-29 65.
Columbia River 10 12 6 7 — 35
Archbishop Murphy 20 17 19 9 — 65
