King’s Way Christian boys beat Kalama for third at district

CHEHALIS — Playing free and loose, the King’s Way Christian boys basketball team finished district tournament play with a flourish on Friday.

Kienan Walter had 26 points to lead the way as the Knights beat Kalama 70-39 at W.F. West High School to claim third place in the Class 1A District 4 Tournament.

After a heart-stopping win on Wednesday clinched a spot in the state regionals, which take place next weekend, the Knights played with a relaxed confidence on Friday.

Walter scored 10 points in the first quarter to help King’s Way (18-6) build an early nine-point lead. In the third quarter, the 6-foot-8 junior hit three consecutive 3-pointers as the Knights erased any mystery about the outcome of the game. He hit the third of those 3-pointers while being fouled for a four-point play that came in the middle of a 11-0 run that pushed King’s Way lead to 18 late in the third quarter and took the spirit from the Chinooks (11-12).

Kyle Gonzales had 12 points, and Gonzales and Walter each had a game-high four assists. Joe Mills added eight points and a team-high 11 rebounds.

After going 14 for 31 from the foul line in Wednesday’s season-extending 48-46 win over Eatonville, King’s way made all 13 of its free throws on Friday.

KING’S WAY CHRISTIAN 70, KALAMA 39

KING’S WAY (18-6) — Cole Jensen 3, Isaiah Pratt 0, Clayton Raewich 2, Nick Pulicella 7, Karter Graves 8, Mikey Johnson 0, Joe Mills 8, Kyle Gonzales 12, Arda Ayden 2, Kienen Walter 26, Anthony Huser 2. Totals 25-53 (7-21) 13-13 70.

KALAMA (11-12) — Blake Stemkoski 9, Isaac Truesdel 9, Jonas VanSkike 0, Corbyn Byrnes 0, Austin Dines 2, Victor Leatzow 5, Cameron Walker 8, Tanner Stemkoski 0, Daniel Gerega 4, Casey Sweet 0. Totals 16-58 (2-12) 5-8 39.

King’s Way 19 8 19 24—70

Kalama 10 9 10 10—39