Warden girls ride stellar defensive showing to WIAA Class 2B state title win over Colfax

SPOKANE, Wash. — Suffocating is the best term to describe the Warden defense on Saturday at the Spokane Arena.

That defense catapulted the second-seeded Cougars (26-1) on to a 20-0 run in the first four minutes of the second quarter and set the tone for the rest of the contest – one that finished 70-55 and gave Warden its first Class 2B state girls basketball championship.

What started out with the third-ranked Bulldogs (21-2) on the front foot at the, turned into a Warden race.

Colfax led 16-14 after the first quarter, but that would be the final time it led.

Cougars were running rampant, seemingly in the back pocket of every Bulldog forcing them to check their runs and reset their offense.

Head coach Josh Madsen confirmed that was the game plan, to frustrate and stifle the Bulldog offense.

He had watched every Colfax game this tournament and knew the dangers it possessed.

“We knew our defense was our biggest strength and that they wouldn’t be able to handle it,” senior Jaryn Madsen said.

When the second quarter kicked off, the Cougars went on a 22-0 run in four minutes that put them up 20. Warden outscored Colfax 24-9 in the quarter, shifting the entire game into its favor.

It was hectic, yet controlled basketball.

While Colfax continued to push, the game felt well in control for Warden. The defense was that constricting.

Jaryn finished with 19 points, 10 rebounds and four assists.

Her sister Lauryn, a sophomore, had 13 points and six steals. She was the catalyst for the defensive pressure.

For the Bulldogs, senior Asher Cai was the only player who found some footing on the offensive end. She finished with 33 points on 9-of-21 shooting and eight rebounds. Often, she found herself surrounded by

Warden defenders as she was forced to either make a play or thread the needle to another Bulldog. Colfax freshman Brynn McGaughy, who was averaging 25-plus points and 15-plus rebounds a game, was mostly shut down. Cougars nipped at her heels every time she touched the ball. She had three points and five rebounds.

But still, there were a few moments that felt as if the Bulldogs could have squeezed their way back into the game as the Cougars made a few forced – and unforced mistakes.

“There were times where I think we could have executed better, we had some turnovers and forced it a little too much,” Jaryn said.

Warden was playing in its first 2B tournament since at least 1978 and this title was also its first-ever basketball title, for the boys or girls.

Some might attribute that to the state inexperience and the pressure of being one of the top teams in the tournament, but not according to Jaryn.

Coach Madsen made sure his players knew the state tournament was just like every other game, the ball is the same size, the court is the same length – they just need to execute like they have all season.

Jaryn and her sister Lauryn were able to experience a state title with their dad at the helm.

“I think it just makes everything even better,” Jaryn said.

2B girls trophy games

Third place game: No. 4 Okanogan 56, No. 7 Liberty 52

Result: Okanogan finished third in state; Liberty finishes sixth.

Sometimes all it comes down to is who shoots the ball from the field better.

This time it was the Bulldogs who shot 39% from the filed, including 37% from beyond the arc.

They held the Lancers to 29% shooting.

While the Lancers relied on midrange jumpers and 3s, it was Okanogan who pounded the rock inside – 22 of its 56 points were in the paint.

Aleena Lafferty had 14 points and Lindsey Jones had 12 to lead the Bulldogs.

Teagan Colvin finished with 28 points and seven rebounds.

Fifth place game: No. 1 La Conner 67, No. 5 Raymond 52

Result: La Conner wins fourth place; Raymond wins sixth place

Three players ensured the Braves didn’t take home less than fourth place.

Sarah Cook’s 21 points, Ellie Marble’s 19 and Rachel Cram’s 17 were plenty to upend Raymond. The three also combined for 31 rebounds as they controlled the game flow.

Fifteen assists were dished out between the five starters.

For the Seagulls, Kyra Gardner scored 20 points with six rebounds and four steals and Karsyn Freeman added 19.

---Justin Reed; @JustinReed99.