Colfax Bulldogs boys fall to Columbia Coyotes

BURBANK, Wash. — In a rematch of last season’s 2B State championship game, the Columbia (Burbank) Coyotes got a bit of revenge against the Colfax Bulldogs.

The Coyotes defeated the Bulldogs, 70-55, on Saturday, Dec. 14, handing Colfax its first loss in 34 games.

Columbia opened the scoring early in the game with a 3-pointer by senior Caden Ross. Colfax answered with a 3-pointer by senior Jayce Kelly to tie the game. The Bulldogs took an early 6-5 lead with a 3-pointer by junior Adrik Jenkin. Columbia took the lead halfway through the opening quarter with a cherry-pick layup by senior Crew Pariera.

The Coyotes then went on an eight-point run before the Bulldogs could get on the board again. Columbia hit a 3-pointer at the buzzer from a sideline inbound play with 1.5 seconds remaining in the first quarter. At the end of the opening frame, Columbia had an 18-8 lead.

Jenkin grabbed a defensive rebound and ran down court on a breakaway, passing the ball to junior Gunner Brown for the layup. Soon after, Jenkin hit a 3-pointer from the top of the arch and senior JP McAnally got fouled on a layup, successfully completing the traditional three-point play to tie the game at 20-20.

Colfax gained the lead again on a 3-pointer by Kelly, but Columbia answered with senior Quincy Scott hitting a layup and senior Tristan Frimodt sinking a pair of free throws.

Pariera hit a field goal late in the second quarter to put Columbia ahead, 26-24, at halftime.

The Coyotes went on a six-point run to start the second half before the Bulldogs could gain a bucket. As soon as Colfax scored, Columbia senior Caden Ross hit a 3-pointer to extend the Coyotes’ lead.

The Bulldogs began to stage a comeback, but Frimodt hit a field goal with 0.8 seconds remaining in the third quarter. At the break, Columbia had a 52-35 lead.

Each team traded points in the final quarter and both teams gained bonus free-throw attempts halfway through the quarter. The remaining scores were mostly from the free-throw line and Columbia completed the 70-55 victory over Colfax.

Kelly led the Bulldogs with 20 points, going 6-for-8 from the free-throw line. Jenkin added 14 points for Colfax.

Bulldogs coach Reese Jenkin noted that Colfax lost five seniors to graduation last season with Columbia losing one.