Richland Reigns Over the MCC - By Brayden Smith

    On Feb 2nd the Richland Bombers took on the Kamiakin Braves for the 2nd time this season. Richland has been on a hot streak up to this point being the only undefeated team in the MCC with 13 wins to their name. Kamiakin was also on a streak of 7 wins heading into this game as their last loss was to our Bombers.

    As the game got started you could feel the energy in the gymnasium, a win would solidify the Bombers' domination of the MCC, but a win for Kamiakin would continue their streak and revenge against the Bombers would come with it. As the tip-off began you felt the stands shake as both sections of students were jumping up and down getting loud for their team bringing adrenaline onto the court. 

Josh Woodard and his team prepare for a big night against. Photo courtesy of @metcalfmedia_.

   Prior to the game, I was able to meet up with Richland’s greatest basketball coach, Earl Streufert, who recently took over the spot for most wins as a head coach over Arthur Dawald who set the previous record with 404. I mentioned the 29 points off of turnovers we had against Kamiakin the last time we played and Streufert said, “we were fortunate to turn them over and get some easy shots, but I don't think this game is going to be the same. We might turn them over, who knows as much, but offensively we are just a lot better right now, better balanced, shooting the ball better, maybe it plays out that way, but we will just have to see.”

Jack Forbes (5) moving the ball against Kamkiakin. Photo courtesy of @metcalfmedia_.

    As the game started you could tell it was going to be a back-and-forth game, both sides were scoring the ball to start, Richland’s Jase Vopalensky made the first points of the night putting the Bombers up 2-0, but to fire right back at them was Zaevion Gladney scoring two free throws from a foul. Jase was able to fire right back draining a corner three and putting them up 5-2. The first quarter would end with Kamiakin 15, Richland 14. But Richland would quickly answer in the 2nd quarter going up 33-29 by halftime.

    The top scorer of the night to this point was Richland’s Josh Woodard who had been an outstanding attribute to his team all season and tonight putting up 11 points so far and only more to come. As the game started back up hearts started to pump as it was only a two-score game up to this point. The Bombers right out of half came out hot with Jack Forbes scoring a two-point jumper from the free throw line putting the Bombers up 35-29.

Landen Northrop (1) swings the offensive play to Josh Woodard (12). Photo courtesy of @metcalfmedia_.

    The Braves struggled to get things going in the 3rd quarter and the Bomber took advantage of it. 3 minutes into the 3rd quarter the Bombers were up 40-31, the Bombers gave it to another star player on the team, Landon Northrup, draining a corner 3 putting the Bombers up 43-31 which would be the largest the lead would get for the night. The end of the 3rd quarter ended with the Bombers up 51-41 over the Braves.

    In the 4th quarter, the Braves came out hot scoring 6 within 1 minute putting the lead to just 4 points. As the 4th quarter started to close with 1:05 left on the clock the Bombers were up 55-50 with possession of the ball. The Braves stormed Woodard as he took it up the court and he got it out to Vopalensky who was able to drive into the paint and make the layup even though Peter Dress for the Braves did everything he could to stop him.

    Hernandez then drove back down the court and was able to get the foul called and made 1 of his 2 free throws from the line making the score 51-57. The Braves surrounded Northrup and got the foul called so Northrup went to the line for 1 shot. The shot missed and the Braves secured the rebound and drove back down the court handing the ball off to Kinsey who was able to sink his three-point shot putting the game at 54-57

Jase Vopalensky (20) shuts down the MCC's leading scorer last Friday night. Photo courtesy of @metcalfmedia_.

    From there it was a back-and-forth of possessions, the main turning point was Zaevion Gladney passing the ball in from the Richland student section sideline throwing it a little too far for Javier Sideregts who was just able to get a grasp of the ball but ended up stepping out of bounds on the opposite side giving the Richland Bombers possession. 

    Landon Northrup was called in to pass the ball in bounds. Northrup got it to Vopalensky who got fouled and went to the line shooting 2 with the Bombers up 54-57. The Run Kano student section of Kamiakin tried to be as loud as possible to throw Vopalensky off his game but it wasn't enough as Vopalensky put the game away as he drained both shots, putting the lead to 59-54. The game ended 59-57 

    Bombers as Fabian Hernandez shot a non-essential half-court with the last 2 seconds. Putting the game away. The close game with 10 lead changes and a 12-point lead being the highest in the game, was finally over. Our Richland Bombers had taken over the MCC letting no one stand in our path to victory. The Bombers held the trophy at half-court as the student section flooded the center. Everybody jumping around knowing the rivalry between the Kamiakin Braves and the Richland Bombers would be won over by the Bombers winning both games in the regular season--sweeping the Braves. The top scorer of the night was Josh Woodard with 19  points and 4 assists. 

Josh Woodard at the line to help put away the Braves. Photo courtesy of @metcalfmedia_.