Two Stand in Way of Rematch

Ephrata, Lynden will try to spoil title game replay ||

YAKIMA, Wash. — Squalicum and Burlington-Edison remained comfortably on course for a Class 2A title game rematch, but there are a couple of dangerous teams eager and able to crash that party.

Ephrata and Lynden, who both missed qualifying for state last season, made it clear a title-game rematch is no certainty after they posted one-sided quarterfinal victories Thursday night in the SunDome.

Ephrata got 21 points and nine rebounds from Washington State-bound Patrick Simon, and a big second-half surge to knock off West Valley of Spokane 62-43. After West Valley closed to 30-28 early in the third quarter, the Tigers ripped off 11 straight points and 19 of 24 to take command.

Right before that, Lynden limited Deer Park to 13 second-half points in pulling away to a 59-31 victory. The Lions rode a balanced attack as three players scored in double figures and another collected nine.

Thursday’s results set up, with no disrespect to Burlington-Edison, perhaps the most anticipated match-up in this tournament with top-ranked Squalicum (24-1), a 80-63 winner over Mark Morris in Thursday’s final quarterfinal, taking on second-ranked Ephrata (22-2) in today’s 7 p.m. semifinal.

“They’re a fantastic team. There one of the top teams in the state — at any level,” Ephrata coach Brandon Everson said of Squalicum. “For this team, after what happened last year, to get to this point, it’s a good accomplishment. Our guys are looking forward to this match-up.”

Tonight’s game will feature the dynamic talent of Ephrata’s 6-foot-9 Simon against Squalicum’s balance, led by 6-0 guard Derek Dickerson and 6-2 guard Keith Stackhouse.

Third-ranked Burlington-Edison (21-4) will meet Lynden (21-5) in the 4 p.m. semifinal. Those teams met once this season, with Burlington-Edison beating Lynden 48-43.

“We’re familiar foes,” Lynden coach Brian Roper said of the Tigers. “We’ve had a lot of battles over the last few years. There won’t be any secrets.”