Though they jumped to an early lead, the Chieftains couldn’t contain Kennedy in the 3A bi-district tournament.
Trailing 19-13 after one quarter, Kennedy of Seattle outscored River 40-29 in the second half at Clover Park High School near Tacoma.
To qualify for regionals, Columbia River must win two loser-out games. The first comes Friday against Bonney Lake at Franklin Pierce High, also near Tacoma.
Despite the loss, River coach Carl Click was happy with his team’s effort. No player on the roster had bi-district experience prior to this year.
“They’re playing hard and playing to win,” Click said. “They aren’t just happy to be here. They believe they can play with these teams.”
Marion Lilly and Megan Bloom each had 13 points to lead River.
The Chieftains couldn’t contain four Kennedy players who scored in double figures. Diondra Bourgette and Kelsey Abrejera each had 16 points.
“The have a lot of offensive weapons and we didn’t have an answer for all of them,” Click said.
KENNEDY 71, COLUMBIA RIVER 56
COLUMBIA RIVER — Ana Delgadillo 2, Sarah Kleier , Marion Lilly 13, Kate Kraft 1, Teaghan Cowles 6, Megan Bloom 13, Ellie Walker 8, Morgan Anthony 2, Katie Anthony 7. Totals 24 (2) 6-14.
KENNEDY — Bourgette 16, Garnett 3, McKenzie 0, Cusack 0, Aberjera 16, Williams 16, Miller 14, Tegelberg 0, Moore 6. 25 (6) 15-23 71.
Col. River 19 8 15 14–56
Kennedy 13 18 24 16–71
