KELSO — As the Rainier Mountaineers walked off the Kelso High School hardwood seconds after a 67-25 throttling of Raymond-South Bend in the 2B District 4 semifinals, fourth straight state berth in hand, the team was stoic in their demeanor.
Even Bryn Beckman, celebrating her 18th birthday Tuesday, Feb. 18, hardly cracked a smile. The veteran-laden Mountaineers knew that there’s still much more business to attend to this winter in a season they’ve collectively dubbed their “redemption year.”
“We knew going in that we were the better team, but we’ve learned from past games, last year for instance, that we have to come in with that mentality and that focus that’s required at the district level,” Rainier head coach Brandon Eygabroad said.
Beckman was active on both ends early for the Mountaineers, cashing a triple from the elbow before banking in another 3-pointer from the top of the key. Rainier threw jabs in the first quarter, leading 18-9 through one, and hurled haymakers in the second quarter.
Beckman found herself open in transition on consecutive possessions for a pair of layups, and Angelica Askey took over with a barrage of jumpers en route to a 10-point quarter for the senior. Rainier blew the doors off of the Ravens with an 18-0 run to take a 38-15 halftime advantage.
The Mountaineers refused to take their foot off the gas pedal, continuing to pummel the Ravens with a fast-paced, efficient offensive attack. Another big run in the third quarter all but sealed Rainier’s spot in the district title game for the second straight year and the 2B state tournament in Spokane for the fourth year in a row, and it sent Ravens fans electing to beat traffic late.
Beckman led all scorers with 19 points on her birthday, and Askey chipped in 18. All but eight of Rainier’s 67 points were scored by their senior quarter that also includes Brooklynn Swenson, 12 points, and Janess Blackburn, 10.
Beckman said her birthday always falls within the district tournament, but her festivities were set aside as she was driven to help her team reach the district finals, where they fell short a year ago to Napavine.
“It’s a pretty big deal. The birthday added to it and made it more exciting, but at the same time, it’s another chance to play with these girls,” she said. “I was just trying to take the best shot possible. Eygabroad always tells us to make the right play, and that was in the back of my mind throughout the game.”
Eygabroad said he was proud of Beckman’s effort for her team, especially after having knee surgery in the summer and missing a chunk of the season.
“I’m so happy for Bryn. She came out firing. To have her get a berth into the district championship on her birthday is really special,” Eygabroad said. “There were some cool moments between her and Lexi, which I really enjoyed watching.”
The Mountaineers will face Adna in the district title game Saturday, Feb. 22 at 6 p.m. at W.F. West High School in a rematch of a Jan. 10 game at Adna in which the Pirates won 50-37.
“They’re well-coached. They have the MVP of the league, and they have some really talented players around her. We’ll have to come ready with that mentality,” Eygabroad said. “It should be a battle and one that I’m really looking forward to. I think that we have the tools necessary to get the job done. It’s just a matter of showing up and getting the job done.”
