MOUNT VERNON — The Seton Catholic boys basketball group has been down this street earlier than.
For the second 12 months in a row, the Cougars opened the Class 1A state event in opposition to perennial energy Lynden Christian.
Like final 12 months, Seton Catholic will face a loser-out sport within the Spherical of 12 after falling 74-57 on Saturday at Mount Vernon Excessive Faculty.
However in contrast to final 12 months, the Cougars know what to anticipate subsequent week in Yakima.
In contrast to final 12 months, when Lynden Christian gained 71-39, Seton Catholic gave the No. 3 seed Lyncs a tricky check. The No. 6 Cougars saved tempo by way of three quarters earlier than being outscored 24-13 within the fourth.
After profitable this system’s first state trophy by putting sixth, Seton Catholic is assured they will go farther. That quest begins within the Yakima Valley SunDome on Wednesday in opposition to No. 11 Cashmere.
With almost all of final 12 months’s group again, the Cougars have been ready to return to Yakima. Seton almost pulled the upset of final 12 months’s event within the quarterfinals, dropping to eventual champion Zillah 56-54.
“Ever since we lost last year to Zillah, we’ve been craving getting back to the dome,” senior Rico George stated. “All offseason we were super motivated. This is exactly where we want to be.”
Saturday, Seton Catholic confirmed its maturity in opposition to a Lynden Christian group that has completed no worse that third within the final 4 state tournaments, profitable titles in 2022 and 2023.
The Cougars weathered foul hassle. Trico League MVP Kaiden Wilson stayed on the ground for many of the sport after selecting up three fouls within the first quarter. The 6-foot-6 sophomore scored a team-high 17 factors earlier than fouling out late within the sport.
“That’s something he’s going to have to get used to as he gets older,” Seton head coach Donald Wilson stated of his son. “It’s hard to ref him because of his speed and size.”
Lance Lee scored eight of his 12 factors within the first half as Seton Catholic (18-6) entered halftime tied at 23.
However Lynden Christian (22-2) discovered its taking pictures stroke, making seven of its 10 3-pointers within the second half. Dawson Hintz scored all of his 19 factors and Gannon Dykstra scored 14 of his game-high 23 factors after the break.
“They got to the corners with their shooters and made some shots,” Donald Wilson stated. “We’re willing to live with a couple of those, but we had some assignments that we missed. They capitalized on that.”
Now Seton Catholic is prepared for what it hopes shall be a four-game keep in Yakima. And if Saturday’s improved opening-round displaying in opposition to Lynden Christian is any signal, the Cougars have the potential to earn one other state trophy.
“I’m proud of the guys,” George stated. “Now it’s just go back to Vancouver, get ready for the dome and take another step forward.”
LYNDEN CHRISTIAN 74, SETON CATHOLIC 57
SETON CATHOLIC (18-6) — Tyler Tran 3, Mason Glassmire 7, Brady Angelo 10, Rico George 8, Lance Lee 12, Roberto Valdez 0, Kaiden Wilson 17. Totals 21 (7) 8-16 57.
LYNDEN CHRISTIAN (22-2) — Dawson Hintz 19, Gunnar Dykstra 4, Carter Ahlers 0, Boyce Robertson 2, Gannon Dykstra 23, Luke VanKooten 21, Kaden Veldman 5. Totals 28 (10) 8-12 74.
Seton Catholic 8 15 21 13—57
Lynden Christian 12 11 27 24—74