YAKIMA – The R.A. Long boys basketball team clinched its first state semifinal berth since 1953, beating Tumwater 61-54 in the Class 2A tournament Thursday at the Yakima Valley SunDome.
Cavin Holden scored 19 points to lead a Lumberjacks team that hasn’t lost since Jan. 19, a span of 13 games.
The No. 3 seed Lumberjacks (21-2) are in the state tournament for the first time since 2008. The back-to-back 2A Greater St. Helens League champs, who had their 2021 season ended by COVID before the district tournament, are embracing the experience.
“This is the moment they’ve been waiting for,” R.A. Long coach Jeray Key said. “They’ve kept their composure and poise. Throughout the trip they’ve been really loose. They’re dancing, having a good time. That’s a good sign.”
Thursday, the Lumberjacks were tested by No. 5 seed Tumwater, who lost to R.A. Long 58-50 in the district championship game. The Thunderbirds led 18-14 after the first quarter.
But R.A. Long outscored Tumwater 9-2 in the second quarter and extended the lead to 34-23 midway through the third.
Tumwater clawed back, pulling within 46-45 with 4:30 to play. But Stephen Rooklidge responded with a 3-pointer that sparked a game-clinching 9-0 run.
Key knows his team can handle pressure situations when an opponent has the momentum.
“I’ve seen my guys do it all year,” Key said. “I didn’t panic or call a timeout. I make my guys play through that. It’s good to see the guys bounce back again.”
Aaron Ofstun and Rooklidge each added 12 points for R.A. Long, which will face No. 2 Lynden in the semifinals on Friday. The Lumberjacks are aiming for berth in a state championship game for the first time since the 1920s.
“They want to get it done for the community,” Key said. “It’s not just about us. It’s the past players who didn’t get a shot at this.”
Andrew Collins scored 18 points and Luke Brewer added 17 points for Tumwater (20-6), which will face Sehome in the third-place semifinal Friday.
R.A. LONG 61, TUMWATER 54
TUMWATER (20-6) – Luke Reid 0, Andrew Collins 18, Luke Brewer 17, Ryan Otton 5, Adam Overbay 2, Brayden Oram 8, Connor Hopkins 2, Seth Weller 0, Tanner Brewer 2. Totals 21-49 (2-12) 10-19 54.
R.A. LONG (21-2) – Aaron Ofstun 12, Cavin Holden 19, Stephen Rooklidge 12, Jamond Harris 9, Jaxon Cook 9, Lonnie Brown Jr. 0, Jake Gabbard 0. Totals 20-42 (5-13) 16-28 61
Tumwater 18 2 14 20—54
R.A Long 14 9 16 22—61
