Lynden takes down Ellensburg for WIAA 2A title, ending Bulldogs' winning streak at 75 games
YAKIMA, Wash. - The Streak is over.
Second-seeded Lynden outlasted No. 1 Ellensburg 43-40 in a slugfest of a Class 2S state championship game Saturday evening in the Yakima Valley SunDome, ending the Bulldogs' winning streak at 75.
Only Brewster's boys (82) and Colton's girls (79) have longer streaks.
The victory caps a triumphant return to the sidelines for Lynden coach Rob Adams, who stepped away after leading the Lions to three championships.
After three years away, however, he and Lions are back where he left the program - on top.
"It's a little bit surreal," Adams said. "When I walked out of here with my wife and kids the last time in 2020 we actually spent a little time thanking this place for all the great memories."
Add two more to the memory bank with his team winning and his son, Spencer, knocking down a 3-pointer in the Lynden boys' title victory over Grandview in the game before.
"I would say it’s been a pretty fantastic day, we’re extremely blessed," he said.
It was a back-and-forth affair with neither team finding much rhythm.
The Lions held a two-point lead in the final minute when Brooke Ravet knockdown a 3-point to put the Bulldogs ahead 40-39.
Hailey Koetje put Lynden (26-1) back ahead with a layin, and the Lions extended the lead at the free-throw line.
CWAC MVP Jamison Phillip dribbled the length of the court and kicked it out to a teammate for a trey, but the shot rimmed out.
Lynden's Finley Parcher posted team-highs with 11 points and eight rebounds, while teammate Payton Mills was voted tournament MVP.
"It feels amazing," Mills said. "We’ve worked hard all season, every practice, every day. I’m so proud of this team and I love this team."
Layne Rogel topped Ellensburg with 13 points and Bella Standish added 11 for Ellensburg (24-1).
