WASHOUGAL — Beyonce Bea started the season with a bang. And she only needed three quarters to do so.
The reigning 2A Greater St. Helens League MVP poured in 25 points, 20 in the first half, along with nine steals and eight boards — a near triple-double — to lead Washougal to a 75-33 opening night win over Evergreen in a nonleague game at Washougal on Monday.
Washougal got out to a hot start, leading by more than 20 points during stretches of the first half. But a late second quarter run by the Plainsmen cut the Panthers’ lead to 16 at half.
First-year Washougal head coach Brittney Knotts said the team came out nervous, compounded by Evergreen’s early energy.
But once the Panthers got settled, they executed a suffocating full-court trap and Bea added to her point total as Washougal began to pull away.
“Today went really well,” Bea said. “It kind of shows what we can do, and gives us confidence to start the season.”
Washougal’s offense runs through Bea a dynamic 6-foot-2 forward. But shutting her down, the Panthers hope, will only open up other key contributors.
“If a team can shut her down, I have other players who can step up, but I expect that from her every game,” Knotts said.
Freshman Skylar Bea, Beyonce’s younger sister, came off the bench and scored four quick points in her debut as a Panther. She finished with 10 points.
The Plainsmen, who are still trying to build team chemistry, were paced by speedy junior guard Ahna Burney, who had a team-high 12 points.
“It’s going to take some time, it’s going to take some ironing out the wrinkles,” Evergreen assistant coach Denaya Brazzle said.
WASHOUGAL 75, EVERGREEN 33
EVERGREEN — Amani Edmondson 0, Peyton Burris 8, Keyonnah Kirkland 4, Grace Bauer 3, Alanna Jackson 4, Ahna Burney 12, Pasquin 2. Totals 13 (2) 5-14 33.
WASHOUGAL — Alexis Maniscalco 4, Maggie Hungerford 4, Beyonce Bea 25, Ashley Gibbons 7, McKinley Stotts 11, Grace Graham 5, Emilee Smart 4, Skylar Bea 10, Tiana Barnett 5. Totals 27 (0) 21-35 75.
Evergreen 7 12 9 5—33
Washougal 20 15 22 18—75
JV — Washougal, 55-31; C — Washougal, 32-26
