The Chieftains clinched a share of the 2A Greater St. Helens League title and is guaranteed the No. 1 seed into the 2A District IV tournament after what coach David Long called his team’s best defensive performance of the year in a 70-29 home victory over Hockinson.
“We’re playing good defense,” Long said, “and we’re shooting the ball, too.”
Evan Dirksen had all 22 of his team-leading points in the first half as River built a 42-24 halftime lead.
River’s defense failed to allow a double-digit scoring quarter by Hockinson.
Knowing where shooters were on the floor plus forcing the Hawks to shoot late in the shot clocked aided River’s defensive performance, Long noted.
“We played really good ball pressure … and had a lot of steals tonight.”
COLUMBIA RIVER 70, HOCKINSON 29
HOCKINSON — Micah Paulsen 5, Dakota Souders 7, Mason Bonife 2, Ki Haden 6, Carson Yinger, Sawyer Racanelli 2, Levi Crum 2, Caleb Newman 2, Jeremiah Faulstick 0, Jake Hull 0, Grant Garver 3. Totals 11 (4) 3-5 29.
