BATTLE BETWEEN THE MCC’S BEST - By Kelsey Fulton

    This Friday night MCC clash between the Richland Bombers and the Kamiakin Braves was one that many had been waiting for, and this game was no letdown. The scene was set in Art Dawald Gym with a packed house; as many Richland students filled their section with green & gold over 3 hours before the tip-off. Fans were prepared to get loud and students had been waiting all night, ready to fire chants back and forth across the gym. There is no greater rivalry in the MCC than between these two schools, and the Richland girls knew this was their chance at revenge.  

Bomber students hanging out hours before the big game. Photo courtesy of Megan Degraaf (RHS Yearbook) 

    As anticipated, this game would be a thriller and was filled with talented athletes. With three seniors on the court committed to playing at D1 programs next year, it would be an intense battle both offensively and defensively. These players include Richland, 2x MCC player of the year, Kylee Fox who is headed to Fresno State. And for the Braves, Nikole Thomas and Maddy Rendall are going to Memphis and Idaho State. However, these girls would not be the only impact players, with several other starters for both sides ready to make their mark.

    These programs had already met once earlier this season, with the Braves winning the game at home 53-50. This second time, the Bombers would not only be on an 8-game winning streak but would also be playing in front of their electric home crowd. Looking to break Kamiakin’s undefeated streak, senior Kylee Fox said, “This game we are focusing more on the little details like finishing lay-ins, rebounding, and moving the ball. We know we can play with them and we were right there the entire first game.”  

    Asserting dominance first, the Bomber students chanted “Bomber Power” to ignite the energy in the gym. With solid defense from Richland, they would force two turnovers right off the bat. Macie Milum and Maggie Smith were able to convert two lay-ins to put them up 4-2. At this point, all six points for the Bombers had come from steals that quickly turned into points. Consistently getting their offense going from behind the arc, Fox would hit three 3-pointers in the first quarter, including one with four seconds to go causing the Bomber students to erupt. 

Kylee Fox setting up the offense against the Braves. Photo courtesy of Megan Degraaf (RHS Yearbook). 

    Headed into the second quarter, Richland would lead by double digits, 19-9. With the Bombers playing tight defense, Camia Howard would be the Braves leading scorer as Rendall was held to no points and Thomas to only two thus far. Kenzie Schulz would put up four points early on to help maintain the lead. For Kamiakin, Thomas finally converted a mid-range shot off a rebound and stared down the home crowd student section after they chanted “overrated”. To end the half, Milum makes an impressive athletic layup to put the Bombers ahead 29-20.  

    Walking out of the locker room, although they had a lead, Richland knew this game was far from over. Both student sections became invested and got louder and louder as time went on. The Braves came out ready to play, as Werternberger would hit a big three-pointer to make it a two-point game. But, the Bombers quickly respond as Fox would swish two more 3’s this quarter, making the score 39-31. Creating a brave play, Maggie Smith took an important charge against Thomas allowing Richland to score and go up yet again. 

Maggie Smith looks to find her teammate for a pass. Photo courtesy of Megan DeGraaf (RHS Yearbook). 

    A seven-point Bomber lead would start off what would be an eventful fourth quarter. A few turnovers and missed shots for Richland would keep the Braves in this game. Until a Kamiakin turnover, where Smith would convert a lay-in, with a chance to make three points the old-fashioned way. In the next few possessions, Richland fans would get loud as Camia Howard took her 5th foul and had to walk off the court. As Fox comes up big again, she drives at Thomas who has four fouls and makes the basket giving her team a ten-point lead. 

    You could see the Braves were not satisfied with themselves, as they had not lost a game this year and the team’s frustration was clear. Both teams were fighting hard with little give as Nicole Werternburger gets fouled and made both her free throws shortening the lead to just eight points. With only two minutes left, Werternburger once more keeps her team in this game, nailing another three-point shot. 

    Big players come up in big moments, and Nikole Thomas did just that. By hitting a three-pointer and getting fouled, she would make a huge four-point play to make it a one-point game. In a weak moment, the Bombers throw away the ball, giving it back to the Braves where they would take full advantage and take their first lead since the first quarter. With another chance, Lexi Hay would pick up the ball, drive, and get fouled. Going to the line, she made both crucial free throws. 

Lexi Hay looking to defend for the Bombers. Photo courtesy of Megan DeGraaf (RHS Yearbook). 

    In the final 27 seconds, the Braves lead 50-49. Off a tipped-out ball on the Braves, the Bombers would have a chance to score and go ahead. Unfortunately, the inbound pass and the shot rolls off the rim and out. A few controversial calls on the other end give the Braves free throw opportunities that ultimately seal the deal for them. With a huge comeback, Kamiakin ended up winning this one 54-49 over Richland. Leading scorers were Kylee Fox with 19 points for Richland and Nicole Werternberger with 17 points for Kamiakin. 

    Shortly after the clock ran out, the Braves student section made it clear to the Bomber students they had won, and the infamous “WE RUN KANO” chant was shouted across the gym. After this win, the Kamiakin girls clenched the MCC title and survived another game to keep their undefeated season alive. 

Front row gets rowdy after a big play by the Bomber girls. Photo courtesy of Megan DeGraaf (RHS Yearbook). 

    While the Bomber girls should be proud as they secured second place in the MCC, they put themselves in a good position heading into playoffs. Richland High School is known for its loud and proud student section and will be ready for more home games or to hit the road looking forward to a deep postseason run. A senior who you will always see front row was asked about the environment in the gym. Tanner Schuster responded, “It was an unforgettable night, the student section was wild from start to finish. As a Kamiakin player walking into that gym they had no choice but to feel intimidated. Games like this is what sets the Bombers apart from other schools.” There is no doubt the Bombers girls will be ready to face their next opponent, whether it be another in-conference rivalry matchup or one from across the state.