Panthers Roar: Bonney Lake Triumphs in WIAA State Tournament, Sets Sights on Mead High in Quarterfinals

Bonney Lake Panthers advance to the next round of the state tournament.

In the colossal arena that is the Tacoma Dome, where the echoes of cheers reverberate off the walls, the Bonney Lake Panthers faced off against the Lincoln Abes in a riveting clash during the round of 12 at the WIAA State Tournament. The stakes were high, the atmosphere electric, and the anticipation palpable as both teams took center stage in the grandeur of the dome.

As the frenzied crowd filled the seats, showcasing unwavering support for their respective schools, the media circus descended upon the Tacoma Dome. News reporters, photographers, and announcers swarmed the stadium, capturing every moment of the spectacle that is the WIAA State Tournament. The Tacoma Dome, a coliseum of dreams, featured two courts—one for the girls' state tournament and the other for the boys—adding to the grandeur of the occasion.

senior Jazmyn Shipp leading the charge in the first quarter.

In this clash of titans, Bonney Lake entered as the 7th seed, while Lincoln claimed the 10th seed. The familiarity between the teams was evident, having faced each other twice before in league play. Bonney Lake had emerged victorious in both encounters, triumphing 56-31 and 55-44 in their previous matchups.

The first quarter set the tone for the Panthers, who came out ablaze. Senior Jazmyn Shipp led the charge with 9 points of her 17 on the night, propelling Bonney Lake to a commanding 18-7 lead. However, Lincoln rallied in the second quarter, bolstering their defense under the guidance of #23 Elizabeth Frazier. Bonney Lake maintained their lead, entering halftime with a score of 25-22.

Senior Lanie Ashby hitting a buzzer-beater at the end of the third quarter.

The halftime show featured the Bonney Lake Cheerleaders and the thunderous beats of the Lincoln drum line, setting the stage for a captivating second half. The third quarter witnessed a surge in aggression from the Lincoln Abes, resulting in 5 quick team fouls. Senior Ava Rice, the recipient of most of these fouls, showcased resilience as the Panthers weathered the storm. Bonney Lake tightened their defense, limiting Lincoln to just 4 points in the quarter, and senior Lanie Ashby electrified the crowd with a buzzer-beating long 2-pointer. The Panthers pulled away, leading 42-26 at the close of the third quarter.

Senior Ava Rice leading the team with 19 points and earning the Sportsmanship award on the night.

The final quarter belonged to senior Ava Rice, who demonstrated her leadership with a stellar performance, contributing 9 crucial points to secure a game-leading total of 19. Rice's exceptional play earned her the Sportsmanship award, a fitting tribute to her impact on the game. The Panthers sealed their victory with a final score of 56-34, advancing to the quarterfinals.

As the curtains closed on this thrilling chapter, Bonney Lake now looks ahead to the next challenge—a clash against #1 ranked Mead High School on February 29th in the Tacoma Dome. The journey continues, and the Panthers stand poised for the battles that lie ahead in their pursuit of glory in the WIAA State Tournament.