It wasn’t the ending they were looking for, but the Evergreen Plainsmen boys basketball team knew going in it would be a tough battle.
No. 1-ranked Davis of Yakima held off an early Evergreen charge and pulled away for a 69-46 victory in the Class 4A regional at Spokane Falls Community College on Friday.
Davis (20-2) advances to the state tournament in Tacoma, while Evergreen concludes its season with a 15-10 record.
Evergreen coach Kelly Blankenship said 26 turnovers was just too many against a team like Davis.
“That’s been our nemesis,” he said. “Their pressure got to us. They were a big, strong, athletic team and we couldn’t handle the pressure with our young guards.”
Tre Clark led Evergreen with 18 points, 12 rebounds and two blocked shots. Caleb Dressler had eight points, 11 rebounds and three assists.
Evergreen made Davis work in the first half by pounding the ball inside. A 10-0 run tied the game at 22-22 with 3:25 to play in the first half.
Davis answered with a 10-0 run of its own and never looked back.
“Probably 70 percent of their points came off transition,” Blankenship said.
Despite the loss, Evergreen is only losing four seniors and this year’s playoff experience will only help next year’s team.
“It doesn’t feel good now. It’s a tough loss,” Blankenship said. “But this is a good group. This experience will pay dividends.”
DAVIS 69, EVERGREEN 46
EVERGREEN (15-10) — Jared Price 0, Jalen Ballard 6, Ajay Jenkins 2, David Shirts 2, Jahmil Johnson 0, Tre Clark 18, Austin Gurnsey 6, Morris 2, Caleb Dressler 8, Thomas Phillips 2. Totals 20 6-11 46.
DAVIS (20-2) — Cooper Kupp 13, Acosta 2, Ray Navarro 9, Chapman 0, Devonte Luckett 10, David Trimble 16, Bajarro 0, Lizotte 6, Jones 2, Cowan 8, Knox 0. Totals 20 (8) 5-7 69.
Evergreen 12 10 10 14–46
Davis 20 14 19 16–69
