The Rapids’ supply of motivation on Saturday, along with a fourth-place state trophy up for grabs, got here from 2A Better St. Helens League foe Mark Morris, which twice defeated the Rapids within the common season.
Given a 3rd alternative towards the Monarchs within the Class 2A state fourth-place recreation at Yakima SunDome, the Rapids didn’t depart something to likelihood in a 78-59 win.
River (22-6) set a brand new excessive in factors scored in 4 video games this week with 5 gamers reaching double figures, led by senior Ari Richardson’s 21 factors.
By securing a fourth-place trophy, this system had its highest end at state since 2009 when River completed second within the 3A boys bracket.
“Amazing,” Richardson mentioned in describing River’s season-ending win. “Especially to close it out versus Morris, a team I think I’ve beat maybe twice my whole high school career, so it was fun and incredible. Only three teams get to end their season on a win, so it was good to be one of them.”
A crew identified for its masterful comebacks, Mark Morris (22-7) discovered itself in acquainted territory when it trailed River 16-14 after one quarter. However the closing minutes of the second and third quarters had been paramount for the Rapids to separate themselves from the Monarchs.
The Rapids rained in 3-pointers from Alex Pont, John Reeder and Josh Paxton, then noticed Ari Richardson convert a four-point play to shut the primary half, giving the Rapids a 38-25 lead.
The Monarchs’ inevitable cost got here on a 7-0 run to begin the third led by scores Carson Bogner, Dalton Stevens and Nathan Stephens.
However the Rapids closed the ultimate minute of the quarter at a breakneck tempo, with Richardson scoring seven factors in 15 seconds. River took a 60-50 result in the fourth and held the Monarchs to 11 factors within the last quarter.
“It gave us a lot of momentum, actually, so it was really good,” junior Alex Pont mentioned.
Pont, Reeder, Aaron Hoey and Luca Phillips every scored 12 factors to spherical out a balanced assault. Pont’s effort helped the Rapids outscore the Monarchs 21-3 in bench factors.
“They’ve been doing it all year,” Richardson mentioned. “They didn’t play every minute of every game, (but) they always stay ready. It’s been great to have them this whole season.”
Led by seniors Richardson, Hoey, Reeder, Tyler Miles and Javen Fletch, the Rapids made sure their second journey to Yakima in as a few years was worthwhile.
Wins over Lakewood, Lynden and lastly, Mark Morris, imply the Rapids are returning dwelling with {hardware}, and a senior class ending what it began 4 years in the past, leaving this system in a great place.
“The senior class — Ari, John and Aaron are four-year lettermen — and my message to them was, go out on top. Leave something for the rest of the guys to achieve and strive for,” Columbia River coach Mark Ganter mentioned. “They accepted that challenge.”
COLUMBIA RIVER 78, MARK MORRIS 59
COLUMBIA RIVER (22-6) — Alex Pont 12, Ari Richardson 21, Kellen Clary 4, John Reeder 12, Tyler Miles 0, Joey Ianello 0, Luca Phillips 12, Aaron Hoey 12, Josh Paxton 5, Luke Potter 0. Totals 31 (10) 6-7 78.
MARK MORRIS (22-7) — Dalton Stevens 27, Drew Ibarreta 8, Tate Armstrong 0, Zane Armstrong 0, Evan Peters 0, Nathan Stephens 9, Mark Hendrickson 0, Jadyn Brooks 5, Carson Bogner 7, Zander Jendro 0, Carter Huhta 0, Mac West 0. Totals 23 (4) 9-15 59.
CR 16 22 20 20—78
MM 14 11 23 11—59