The River Ridge girls basketball team is back in the state tournament, as the Hawks thumped Puget Sound League rival Lakes in a District 3 3A Tournament elimination game Wednesday night at Foss High School.
The Hawks have qualified for state for the second straight season and placed fifth at districts. Defense was the name of the game for River Ridge, as the Hawks only gave up seven points to Lakes in the first quarter and eight in the second quarter en route to a 24-15 halftime advantage.
River Ridge pulled away in the third quarter, doubling its scoring total with 24 points in the frame and entering the fourth ahead 48-25.
“The girls brought the energy and never trailed all night,” River Ridge coach Chad Arko said. “Our defense was very good again tonight, and we shared the ball very well with an extra pass every possession.”
Brandi Stanford shined with 23 points, seven steals and five assists. Paige Arko delivered 15 points and six rebounds, while Keke Bol dominated on the glass with 10 points and 18 rebounds. Mya Armstrong scored two points but pulled down five rebounds and nabbed five steals.
River Ridge (15-9) now awaits to find out its seeding for the 3A State Tournament, which begins Feb. 24 at the Tacoma Dome.
