Lynden stuns ATM

Lions avenge 20-point district title defeat ||

YAKIMA, Wash. — Beaten in every way possible just a week ago at the hands of Archbishop Murphy, Lynden’s girls turned a humbling loss into a huge upset in Saturday’s Class 2A state basketball championship.

Senior guard Brandi Benner sparked a quick rush and a delivered the knockout blow as Lynden stunned the previously undefeated Wildcats 48-41, reversing a 20-point loss in the Northwest District final.

“We played intimidated last time and never got the game at our speed,” said Benner, who hit four 3-pointers, scored 19 points and was named the tournament MVP. “This time we knew what was coming and we played with a lot more confidence.”

A confidence that grew from three punishing defensive games leading up to the title game. The Lions didn’t allow more than 35 points en route to their rematch with Murphy, and for the tournament held opponents to 25-percent shooting.

“I have 33 game films at home and I brought one to state — that district final,” said Lynden coach Rob Adams. “We watched it this morning and we said, ‘Look, they’re undefeated, they beat us by 20, but we get another chance here. What happens if it’s our turn tonight? Are you ready for that?’”

Lynden was not only ready, there was no hesitation.

With Benner hitting two of her team’s four 3-pointers in the first quarter, the Lions made Murphy chase them most of the game. And when the Wildcats did draw even, Benner was the stopper again.

The 5-foot-5 guard hit two more 3-pointers and added a 3-point play in the third quarter, and she made four straight free throws in the final 20 seconds.

“It’s truly amazing that we won it all,” said Benner, remembering last year’s 0-2 exit from the state tournament. “We came here just aiming to get passed the first two days. Once we got our confidence, we played unbelievable.”

Sophomore Hannah Shine, a first-team all-tournament pick, scored five of her 12 points in the fourth quarter and grabbed six rebounds for Lynden (23-4).

“It’s amazing how loose we were,” Adams said. “That helped us get a great start and our defense took it from there.”

After 26 straight victories, Murphy finally encountered a foe it could not finish. And the timing, naturally, hurt worst of all.

“They say the last one is the hardest and they’re absolutely right,” said Murphy coach John Barhanovich. “We competed hard and we laid it on the line but we didn’t have an answer.”

Alyssa Smith, Murphy’s Montana-bound 6-foot forward, scored 15 points on 5-for-9 shooting with two 3-pointers. The Wildcats had only 14 turnovers but five came during a crucial four-minute stretch in the final period.