Tigers Clinch Victory Over Riverhawks, Keep No. 2 Seed Hope Alive

At Napavine High School, the Tigers secured a thrilling 59-55 victory over the Riverhawks on March 15, 2024, keeping their hopes alive for the No. 2 seed in the Central 2B League (C2BL). This win is critical as the teams head into the final stretch of the season, with the district tournament approaching.

The Tigers, now boasting a record of 15-4 and 12-3 in C2BL play, were led by Cal Bullock, who scored a team-high 17 points despite battling an ankle injury. His performance included a crucial floater that regained the lead for Napavine with just 35 seconds remaining. A subsequent free throw from Eric Bullock extended the lead to three points shortly thereafter.

In a standout moment, sophomore Layton Griffith achieved his 50th and 51st blocks of the season during the game, breaking the school record of 49 previously held by Kirk Vigre since the 2007-08 season. Griffith’s critical block late in the fourth quarter denied Riverhawks’ Cooper Fallon, securing possession for the Tigers and ultimately sealing the victory.

Griffith’s performance has solidified his reputation as one of the C2BL’s most formidable post players. “We just had to make a play at the end,” he stated after the game, reflecting on the team’s perseverance despite relinquishing a five-point lead in the closing moments. This victory not only reinforces Griffith’s importance to the team but also highlights the collective effort from the Tigers.

Napavine surged ahead early, establishing an 11-3 lead and extending it to 18-5. “We came out and punched them in the mouth as soon as we came out,” Griffith noted, emphasizing the team’s intensity after previous struggles against Toledo earlier in the season.

Toledo, now holding a record of 14-3 and 12-2 in the league, fought back valiantly, particularly in the third quarter, where Adam Kruger and Conner Hill found their rhythm from beyond the arc. The Riverhawks managed to take a brief lead at 39-38 before Napavine responded with a three-point play from Griffith.

As the game neared its conclusion, the score tightened. After a series of exchanges, including a game-tying three-pointer from Trevin Gale, Cal Bullock’s clutch shot put the Tigers ahead 57-55, demonstrating the resilience and competitive spirit of the Napavine squad.

Coach Kayden Kelly praised his players’ tenacity, stating, “Just seeing them fight through that and not ever give up, that’s everything to me.” He also highlighted Cal Bullock’s determination, saying, “His ankle is black and blue… and he was able to come out here, score 17 points, and lead his team. That’s heart.”

In addition to Griffith and Cal Bullock, senior Hudson Chambers contributed significantly with 16 points and seven rebounds, showcasing his leadership in critical moments. “You guys can look at your seniors and thank them because they refused to lose at the end there,” Kelly remarked to his team post-game.

Toledo’s coach, Grady Fallon, acknowledged the defensive efforts from Napavine that limited Cooper Fallon’s offensive impact, emphasizing the need for his team to maintain their intensity. “We can’t ever let somebody’s intensity outshine ours,” he stated.

As the regular season winds down, Napavine’s victory keeps the possibility of claiming the No. 2 seed within reach. With two games remaining for Toledo, including matchups against Morton-White Pass and Adna, the Riverhawks still control their own destiny.

Should Toledo falter, a win for Napavine against Winlock could lead to a tie in the league standings. Both teams would then have split their season series, potentially resulting in a coin flip to determine the No. 2 seed.

Kelly expressed optimism about his team’s momentum, stating, “To see us starting to come together at the end here, hopefully we can keep that going.” The upcoming weeks will be pivotal as teams prepare for the district tournament, with the Tigers aiming to build on their recent success.