BY PARKER HODGE
The Tri-Cities girls and the Yakima boys extended their series winning records in the 27th Annual SWX All Star Classic game at Columbia Basin College on April 15.
The Yakima boys eeked out the 83-78 win in a contest that came down to the final minute of play.
Toppenish’s Shane Rivera was able to break a 78-78 tie with a three-pointer from the left wing to put the Yakima All-Stars ahead for good. On the ensuing possession, Tri-Cities attempted two from long range, however neither shot was able to fall. Yakima grabbed the defensive rebound and Cesar Hernandez (Davis) dunked as time expired to give Yakima the five-point victory and its second-straight series win.
Hernandez and Luke Navarre (Zillah) combined for 30 points while Emmett Fenz (Ellensburg) added 14 and Rivera finished with 10. Navarre was named the game’s MVP and Javier Sideregts (Kamiakin) won the halftime dunk contest.
The Tri-City boys were fueled by 23 points from Donavin Young (Chiawana) and 13 points from Peter Dress (Kamiakin). Tri-City was a pale 13% from beyond the arc (5-for-38) and attempted 102 field goals in the game, which featured five lead changes and six ties.
In the girls game, Tri-City jumped to a 23-10 lead after one quarter and never trailed in the 80-74 win. Tri-Cities was hot, shooting 48% from the floor and 64% from the free-throw line. Haylee Johnson (Kennewick) had 17 points while Malia Ruud (Chiawana) talled 15 points and pulled down seven rebounds.
Maddy Rendall (Kamiakin) capped her high school career with 12 points, six rebounds and one block as she tied for second place in the record book with four 3-point baskets in the game.
The Tri-City girls dominated in nearly every stat category, including rebounds with a 56-47 edge, defensive rebounds (40-22), assists (19-9) and second-chance points 17-11.
The game raises money for charity with a portion of the proceeds benefitting the Boys the Girls Clubs of Benton and Franklin County.
MORE: Boys game statistics | Girls game statistics | Complete game rosters
Photo credit: Cesar Solis Photography