CAMAS — The loudest roar from the crowd in Camas’ 70-29 girls basketball victory Friday night over Emerald Ridge to clinch a state berth came courtesy of sophomore Baylie Farra.
Her right-corner 3-pointer with 3 minutes, 30 seconds to play in the game sparked a frenzy from fans, elation from the Papermakers’ starting five on the bench since the 1:55 mark of the third, and her head coach, Scott Thompson, who gave Farra a high-five as she headed back down court on defense.
“That’s great, because they support us the whole game. They’re on the bench cheering, so it’s great to see them succeed,” point guard Keirra Thompson said.
It was Camas’ 10th 3-pointer in a game where they, at the time, were shooting better than 50 percent for the game. They finished 11 for 23.
For a team that’s made a name for itself as an adventure seeker and playing national-caliber teams as part of its non-league schedule, team shooting has been an Achilles heel at times this season, Thompson said. Although lately, he noted, they’ve found their stride. That included Friday night to open the postseason, and the timing couldn’t be better.
“It just feels like it’s a product of the girls putting in the work,” he said, “and we see laser-like focus every single time we step on the court for practice and they’re willing to put in the work and they’re willing to continue to grind. And you’re seeing it now on the court.”
Camas’ hot shooting wasn’t the only bright spot in a 41-point victory Friday to seal a state-clinching victory and advance to Wednesday’s bi-district semifinal against Sumner. The Papermakers (16-6) held Emerald Ridge of Puyallup (16-7) to 17 percent shooting and under 30 points for the first time all season. Camas raced out to a 19-point halftime lead and one-upped their performance in the second half by holding Emerald Ridge to just eight points the final two quarters.
“Even though we were winning,” senior forward Brianna Forbess said, “we didn’t let them take over. We still played our hardest.”
Forbess had a game-high 12 rebounds off the bench, including seven on the offensive glass.
Addison Harris’ 21 points anchored a balanced scoring attack. Keirra Thompson added 11 points and nine assists and Sophie Buzzard had 10 points. The Camas starting five exited with 1:55 left in the third quarter.
Like Camas last season, Emerald Ridge reached the Tacoma Dome and also earned a state trophy (sixth place).
Keirra Thompson believes Friday’s win sends a strong message to start the playoffs, given the quality win against a quality opponent.
“Our record might be deceiving,” she said, “but I think it really sends a message that we’re ready and we’re coming back hungry as ever.”
—
CAMAS 70, EMERALD RIDGE 29
EMERALD RIDGE — Naomi Senato 7, Semaj Williams 6, Jaryah McGriff 2, Naleila Cammack 2, Katelyn Hudgins 0, Saniya Fair 5, Josslyn Springer 0, Kaili Robinson 0, Aaliyah Chappell 0, Divina Williams 7. 8 (1) 12-15.
CAMAS — Reagan Jamison 7, RIley Sanz 5, Sophie Buzzard 10, Parker Mairs 3, LIla McCarthy 0, Eli Gibson 3, Baylie Farra 7, Brianna Forbess 1, Lauren Hood 2, Addison Harris 21, Keirra Thompson 11. 26 (11) 7-9.
Emerald Ridge 12 9 4 4 – 29
Camas 21 19 17 13 – 70
