Everett clips Auburn, advances to WIAA 3A girls basketball quarterfinals for first time in 41 years

TACOMA, Wash. - Alana Washington says she and her twins sister have this thing going.

A cosmic sense.

Sibling awareness.

And now, a WIAA Class 3A state tournament win.

Barely breaking Auburn's stifling fullcourt pressure, Mae Washington finally got a clean look - and shoveled a pass to her streaking sister, who laid in the game-winning basket with 2.3 seconds to go in Everett's 43-42 win over Auburn on Wednesday in the Tacoma Dome.

The Seagulls advance to the state quarterfinals for the first time since 1983 - and will meet Garfield, the three-time defending 3A champion.

In coach Darrell McNeal's three seasons, he first led the Seagulls to regionals in 2022, then to the dome last year. And now, they've accomplished their goal - win a state game.

"Never giving up," McNeal said. "Never say die."

Auburn took its first lead on Avery Hansen's buzzer beater to end third quarter - and held a 42-39 advantage on Emmalee Secrest's two free throw with 2:18 to go.

Emily Barton sank a long jumper with 48.9 seconds to go to cut it to 42-41.

And after an Auburn turnover, the Seagulls got the ball back with 14.5 seconds remaining.

They barely could get it out of backcourt - until Mae Washington received the ball, turned and found her sister all by herself for the bucket.

"I am no going to lie - what an ugly fourth quarter," McNeal said. "We didn’t rebound. We couldn’t stop hem. They were hitting shots.

"But one thing I do love about my girls, there is no quit in them."

Hansen led all scorers with 23 points. Alana Washington had 15 points for Everett, and Mae Washington added 12.