Viking boys, Nighthawk girls spin out of SE

Last two Whitman teams in the SE 2B playoff at Walla Walla were knocked out last Wednesday after dropping into the consolation rounds of the SE tournament at Whitman College in Walla Walla.

Garfield/Palouse boys were bumped by Asotin 49-41. The Panthers advanced to the last round game for the number-three SE ticket to the state show in Spokane and took a 64-56 win over Walla Walla Valley Academy to get a rare shot at the state hoop finals.

Asotin’s state B mark out of the SE totals two eight-place finishes, in 1984 and 1985.

The Panthers were booked against Entiat in the first state round Wednesday at Spokane.

Coach Tim Coles and the Vikings finished the year at 14-8. Four seniors on the club were Gavin Burt, Taylor Christopher, Lee Roach and Nick Cocking.

Tekoa/Oakesdale girls were shut down by DeSales 49-36 in the elimination round last Wednesday. The Irish pounded the ‘hawks 17-5 in the second quarter to take control of the game.

The `hawks made up ground in the third quarter, but couldn’t close.

Caitlin Duncan hit 17 to lead the Irish in the elimination win. Senior Desiree Chappell hit 16 to lead the ‘hawks in her final game.

Kim Pakootas and Katie Graffis were other seniors on the Nighthawk team. Pakootas hit 6, and Graffis 4 in the last game. Other scorers for the Nighthawks were Cheriese Neill 2, Myrannda Neill 3 and Katherine Groom 2.

The SE boys finished with Liberty Christian fighting off Waitsburg/Prescott 41-35 in the last round at Whitman College. Both teams had qualified for state after winning the semi rounds. Liberty Christian rolled to Spokane with a 21-2 record.

Asotin girls defeated Liberty Christian 51-46 to take the SE title game Saturday in the SE girls final at Whitman. The Panthers rolled to Spokane on a 16-7 record and drew Liberty Bell for the first day’s action at Spokane.

DeSales girls dropped Pomeroy 55-40 for the number three SE tickets to state and drew Colfax, the defending champs in the first round.