In terms of postseason implications, Wednesday night's game between the Centralia Lady Blazers and the Lower Columbia Red Devils meant little.
In terms of pride and redemption, however, the matchup meant everything to Centralia. In a game comprised entirely of runs, the Lady Blazers were able to hit key shots and free throws down the stretch to hold off LC for a 73-63 NWAC West Region victory in Michael Smith Gymnasium.
The last time the teams met, the Blazers suffered a 63-47 defeat at the hands of the Red Devils in Longview on Jan. 24 — their first loss of the year to another NWAC team.
According to Centralia coach Shane Schutz, the Blazers knew that game wasn’t their best effort.
"Tonight was just about pride," Schutz said. "We wanted to end the regular season undefeated on our home court. This was a big game for the girls, and when you're playing against rivals, it means a lot more."
With a packed house, the game adopted a playoff atmosphere from the opening tip, with Centralia gaining a slim lead early. It wasn't long before Lower Columbia evened things up, matching the hosts shot for shot.
Sophomore post Courtney Kaupu led the Lady Blazers with 17 points, and five rebounds, expanding her range to hit 3 for 3 from beyond the 3-point arc in key moments, something that took some by surprise. Kaupu was 7 for 10 overall from the field.
"We allow our posts to shoot outside and we spend a lot of time working on it," Schutz said. "Courtney is very capable of hitting that shot to be an offensive threat. She shot the ball with confidence and that's what we need from her."
Kaupu, along with Molly McIntyre and Lauren Fisher, was able to establish an inside presence early to help give Centralia a 28-24 lead at halftime. McIntyre scored 15 points and Fisher added 8 for the Blazers.
Due to the aggressiveness on either side, fouls and, as a result, free throws become a large part of the ballgame. Kyahri Adams reaped the benefits from the charity stripe, going 11 of 14 (79 percent) from the line. Adams finished with 16 points, five rebounds, and seven assists on the night.
"Those free throws were big for her," Schutz said. "Her focus and attention improved in that area. She did a great job and she's beginning to play with more confidence. She stepped her game up tonight."
Kaylea Knox, a 5-foot-3 sophomore, knocked down four 3s and finished with 20 points on 8 for 17 shooting, along with seven rebounds, to pace Lower Columbia, and Susan Kenney scored 13 points on 3 for 7 shooting from the arc. It wasn't until Kenney and Adams sealed the game in crunch time that the Lady Blazers could finally rejoice in the victory.
"When two good teams play, you're going to have a game of runs," Schutz said. "We would some big shots and then LC would hit a few. It makes it fun for fans and it's one of those deals where, as an athlete, you have to match shot for shot. The 3-point shot is an important part of basketball and we believe that you have to balance between inside and out. Tonight, we were balanced."
With the win, the Lady Blazers snap a 14-0 Lower Columbia winning streak in NWAC West Region play and maintain a streak of their own, staying undefeated at home for the season.
The Lady Blazers (13-2 region, 24-4 overall) will play their final matchup of the regular season at Green River on Saturday at 3 p.m. before heading off to Kennewick for the NWAC Tournament, which starts on March 7.
