(Longview, WA) It was another successful Holiday Classic tournament, unfortunately just not for the Red Devils.
Saturday, 12-28 - Game One
The Lower Columbia Red Devils pulled off a dramatic 66-63 victory over the Bellevue Bulldogs in a tightly contested game. The Red Devils displayed resilience, particularly in the fourth quarter, where they outscored Bellevue 21-16 to secure the win.
Karlee VonMoos was the standout player for the Red Devils, leading the way with an impressive double-double of 23 points and 14 rebounds, shooting 10-for-22 from the field.
Maris Baklund contributed significantly with 9 points, 5 assists, and 2 steals, showing her playmaking abilities. Reigha Niemeyer and Brooke Ravet each chipped in with 8 points, with Niemeyer adding 3 rebounds and Ravet going 3-for-4 from the free-throw line. Lauren Katyryniuk was efficient from beyond the arc, scoring 8 points on 2-for-3 shooting from three-point range before fouling out.
The Red Devils were strong on the boards, out-rebounding Bellevue with 34 total rebounds, including 16 on the offensive end. Dylan Mann provided energy on the glass with 8 rebounds, 5 of which were offensive. Despite some shooting struggles, the Red Devils' defense and hustle plays, particularly their 9 steals and 20 points off turnovers, proved pivotal in overcoming Bellevue's effort.
Sunday, 12-29 - Game Two
The Red Devils faced a tough challenge against the undefeated Umpqua Riverhawks, falling 92-56 in a high-energy matchup.
Despite the loss, the Red Devils displayed individual brilliance, with Reigha Niemeyer leading the team in scoring with 19 points. Niemeyer shot 3-for-6 from beyond the arc and added 3 rebounds and 3 assists to her performance.
Karlee VonMoos contributed 13 points and 6 rebounds, demonstrating her presence in the paint. Brooke Ravet added 8 points, including two three-pointers, while Lisa Lorenz Conrotto chipped in with 5 points and 3 assists.
The Red Devils struggled to contain Umpqua's offensive efficiency, as the Riverhawks shot 54.9% from the field. Umpqua's Brooklyn Fely was unstoppable, scoring a game-high 31 points on 13-for-17 shooting while grabbing 13 rebounds and blocking 3 shots. Her dominant performance was supported by Rebekah Beltran, who scored 16 points, including four three-pointers.
While Lower Columbia had moments of solid defense and hustle plays, including 9 steals, they couldn't overcome Umpqua's size and offensive execution in the paint, where the Riverhawks scored 58 points.
Monday, 12-30 - Game Three
The Lower Columbia Red Devils fell to the Chemeketa Storm in a 63-54 contest. Despite their best efforts, the Red Devils could not keep up with Chemeketa's offensive execution, especially in the second half.
Reigha Niemeyer lead the Devils with 13 points, 8 rebounds and 3 assists. Karlee VonMoos controlled the boards with 13 rebounds, scoring 9 points as well.
Maris Baklund provided an outside scoring touch, adding 8 points with two three-pointers.
The Red Devils struggled with turnovers, committing 23, which Chemeketa capitalized on, scoring 25 points off those errors. Although Lower Columbia had a strong showing on the glass with 37 rebounds compared to Chemeketa's 28, they were unable to convert those opportunities into enough points.
Dylan Mann added 4 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 steals, while Morgan Hamilton contributed 8 points and 3 assists.
For Chemeketa, Mady Diaz led all scorers with 20 points, shooting 9-for-21 from the field, and was instrumental in her team's ability to control the game's tempo. Annie Bafford also made significant contributions with 13 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 blocks. Chemeketa's defensive pressure and ability to capitalize on turnovers proved to be the difference in the game.
The Umpqua Riverhawks would go on to win the tournament with three decisive victories.
89-43 over Pierce. UCC's Brooklyn Fely 25 points, 9 rebounds
92-56 over Lower Columbia. Fely with 31 points, 13 rebounds
65-42 over Walla Walla. UCC's Rebekah Beltran put up 18 points. Fely added 12 pts with 10 rebounds
