Top-seeded Nooksack Valley girls rally past No. 2 Deer Park to repeat as 1A champs
YAKIMA, Wash. – There was no denying Devin Coppinger and top-seeded Nooksack Valley in the Class 1A state girls basketball tournament.
After overcoming an early deficit in Friday’s semifinal victory against Wapato, the Pioneers did it again in Saturday’s nightcap in the Yakima Valley SunDome, digging out of an 11-point hole to hand No. 2 Deer Park its first loss while claiming their second championship in a row.
Coppinger, who was named the tournament’s MVP for the second straight year, sank four free throws in the final seconds and finished with a game-high 27 points for the Pioneers (26-1).
“There’s no quit and we just said, ‘hay, it’s a long game,’” Nooksack Valley girls coach Shane Wichers said.
Trailing by two in the final minute, Northeast 1A MVP Ashlan Bryant nailed a 3-pointer to give the Stags a 67-66. The edge was short-lived, however, as Coppinger drew a foul and made both free throws.
After Deer Park was unable to convert on the other end, Coppinger was fouled again and made both with just a few ticks left.
The Stags did not get a good shot off as time expired and the Northwest Conference champs celebrated.
“It was a heckuva ride,” Deer Park girls coach KC Ahrens said. “I think they gave everything they just came up a little short. I’m super proud of the kids.”
Kaylee Anderson had 18 points for the Stags, and Lainey Kimball added 15 points and seven rebounds.
Bryant finished with 20 points and seven rebounds, while Brooklyn Coe had 17 points and Emma Bryant chipped in 13 for the Stags (26-1).
Deer Park will move up to 2A next season and join the Greater Spokane League.
