Eastlake Lady Wolves claim state victory over Camas Papermakers
The Eastlake Lady Wolves secured the state title with a win against the Camas Papermakers in the WIAA 2023 Girls Basketball Hardwood Classic 4A finals on March 4, with a score of 48-41.
Following the controversial previous playoff game in which Ava Schmidt launched a 3-point, nothing-but-net bucket from half court at the buzzer to win the game, the Lady Wolves knew they would need to prove they deserved their spot in the final matchup. The Papermakers were not going to make it easy and took the early lead, 3-0, when Jalena Carlisle sunk a clean 3-point shot. But that was the first and only time the Papermakers would ever have the lead in the game. The combination of Sofia Aluas and Schmidt accounted for all the Lady Wolves points in the first quarter, for a tally of 10-8, including two baskets for each, two foul shots for Aluas, six rebounds for Schmidt, and a slight lead for the Lady Wolves.
While both teams fought aggressively, fouls marred the second quarter. But the Lady Wolves remained focused as Aluas contributed another 3-point shot to the board, Schmidt matched her in 2-point field goals, and Kaylia Jackson contributed two points. The Lady Wolves dominated the second quarter, more than doubling their score and simultaneously holding the Papermakers to just four points for a halftime advantage, 26-12.
The third quarter proved to be a role reversal for the two teams as the Papermakers used halftime to regroup and re-examine. The Lady Wolves fought hard but only managed two buckets for the quarter while the Papermakers nearly doubled their score from the first half. This time, the Lady Wolves found themselves, like their opponent in the last quarter, held to just four points as the Papermakers nearly doubled their score. Though the gap narrowed, 30-23, Eastlake maintained their lead.
Several 3-point buckets from Carlisle teased the Lady Wolves, prompting them to rise to the challenge in the fourth quarter. Though Carlisle’s shots kept the Papermakers in the game, Aluas was a force from the free throw line. She contributed eight 1-point baskets and three 2-point field goals to help deliver the state title to the Lady Wolves for a 48-41 victory.
The Lady Wolves fought hard for Eastlake’s second state title under Coach Goldie. Ava Schmidt delivered with 10 total points and countless rebounds while Aluas had a spectacular game with more than half the team points for a total of 29 for the night. Congratulations to Eastlake, Coach Goldie, and the 2023 state champion Lady Wolves.
Watch a replay of the game here.
