The Panthers’ assertiveness in the second half helped Washougal to a non-league win over the visiting Papermakers.
Washougal limited Camas to three field goals during a third quarter that saw the Panthers increase their lead from one point to nine points.
“Defensively we just turned it up and limited their second shot opportunities,” Washougal coach Malcom Estes said. “And we took care of the ball and attacked the basket.”
Austin Tran led a balanced Panthers attack with 15 points. Aaron Diester had 12 points and nine rebounds.
Estes credited the defense of Regan Townsend against Camas’ Trevor Jasinski — who scored most of his 15 points before Townsend started defending him over the last 12 minutes — for helping Washougal (6-2) maintain its lead.
One turning point came during the third quarter when Camas (1-7) had a chance to score six or seven points from one possession — thanks to a technical foul — but did not score any points from four free throws. Washougal then forced a turnover and converted a basket to regain momentum.
The Panthers’ strategy of attacking the basket on offense helped them get to the foul line 30 times. They made 19, outscoring the Papermakers by 13 points from the free-throw stripe.
WASHOUGAL 59, CAMAS 48
CAMAS — Trent Johnson 11, Tyler Hallead 6, Zach Eagle 2, Josh Ryan 0, Aaron Bratcher 0, Brandon Nguyen 0, Jordan Lenard 9, Trevor Jasinsky 15, Nick Lopes 5, Clarkson 0, Totals 19 (4) 6-19 48.
WASHOUGAL — Mike McElroy 9, Regan Townsend 4, Cole Crosby 2, Sean Guthrie 8, Austin Tran 15, Nate Adams 1, Yoro Bah 0, Patrick Jones 2, Jaden Jantzer 6, Aaron Deister 12. Totals 18 (4) 19-30 59.
Camas 13 18 6 11–48
Washougal 14 18 14 13–59
JV — Camas 58-49. C — Camas won.
