By Kiara Doyal, The Seattle Medium
On Tuesday morning, the Roosevelt Roughriders faced off against the Kennewick Lions in a high-stakes, loser-out matchup during the opening round of the 3A State basketball tournament. With both teams fighting to keep their seasons alive, the game was a competitive battle from start to finish.
Kennewick wasted no time setting the tone, as Ashlyn Dress knocked down a three-pointer right off the opening tip. Roosevelt’s Audrey Richardson quickly responded with a three of her own, tying the game at 3-3. The teams appeared evenly matched early on, with both displaying strong defense and efficient ball movement. For much of the first quarter, the lead alternated back and forth, and with 3:39 remaining, the game was deadlocked at 8-8. However, Kennewick closed the quarter on a strong note, knocking down key shots. Hanna Fiander and Dress sank back-to-back three-pointers, while Rylee Bendewald made her third trip to the free-throw line, converting both shots to give Kennewick an 18-14 lead at the end of the first quarter.
The second quarter began with both teams continuing to trade baskets, keeping the game tight. However, Kennewick gradually took control, outpacing Roosevelt with aggressive play on both ends of the court. With just 2:22 remaining in the half, the Lions went on a decisive 9-0 run, led by Karsyn Ripplinger, Fiander, and Dress. Their surge extended Kennewick’s lead to 37-27 at halftime, putting the Roughriders in a tough position heading into the second half.
Roosevelt came out strong in the third quarter, determined to claw their way back into the game. The Roughriders went on an 8-0 run, cutting the deficit to 37-35 and forcing Kennewick to call a timeout. While the Lions initially struggled to regroup, they eventually found their rhythm. Over the final 3:30 of the quarter, Kennewick outscored Roosevelt 8-4, maintaining their lead at 45-40 heading into the fourth quarter.
Roosevelt started the final period with possession, and Ellery Burke-Brown immediately attacked the rim, drawing a foul and sinking both free throws to trim the gap to 45-42. Kennewick responded with a free throw from Bendewald, extending their lead to 46-42 and prompting a Roosevelt timeout. Out of the break, Dress sent Burke-Brown to the line again, where she converted both shots, bringing the Roughriders within two at 46-44.
With three minutes remaining, Kennewick pulled away for good. The Lions tightened up defensively and capitalized on Roosevelt’s miscues, extending their lead to 53-46. Despite Roosevelt’s defensive intensity, led by Giselle Dollar’s relentless hustle, Kennewick continued to control the pace. In the final minute, Fiander and Dress each sank two free throws, sealing the win. Roosevelt’s Faith Horan knocked down a late three-pointer, but it wasn’t enough, as the Lions secured a 59-50 victory to advance in the 3A State tournament.
Dress led Kennewick with 15 points, six rebounds, and one assist, while Bendewald contributed 12 points, 10 rebounds, and one assist. Fiander added 12 points, four rebounds, and one assist in the win. Roosevelt was led by Burke-Brown, who finished with 15 points, seven rebounds, and two assists, while Jasmine Hall added 13 points and two rebounds.
With the victory, Kennewick advances to face Central Valley on March 6 at 10:30 a.m., while Roosevelt’s season comes to an end.
