CHENEY — Forks struggled in all facets of its Class 2B state regional round contest Friday, falling 69-37 to Northwest Christian (Colbert) in a loser-out, winner-to-state in Spokane game at Cheney High School.
“It just wasn’t our day. We didn’t play or coach good enough to win. Unfortunately it happened on a big stage like that,” coach David Hurn said.
“Credit NW Christian, they played a heck of a ball game. We gave them some space outside and they were able to knock down some shots from deep early.”
The Spartans (18-8) struggled with turnovers and missed shots offensively, and were done in by a high-scoring Crusaders squad on the defensive end.
Foul calls were frequent, which impacted Forks’ physical style of play.
Northwest Christian closed the first quarter on a 12-3 run to seize control and never looked back, going up 29-14 at halftime.
“Our girls were definitely frustrated there, but us coaches have to help the players adapt to that [how closely a game is officiated],” Hurn said. “We do like to be a physical team and battle for the boards, challenge shots but we sent them to the line 30 times. NW Christian were able to adapt to the style of play.”
The Spartans will graduate seniors Kadie Wood, Kyra Neel and Casadie Whorton.
“I’m extremely proud of them,” Hurn said. “I had two messages for the team postgame: thank you to the seniors for everything they’ve done,” Hurn said. “They laid a path that we can follow and really set a standard. Second part was we have a lot of young players coming up in the program, a lot of eighth graders, and the message was this doesn’t have to be uncommon. We can stay here, let’s not make it a rare occurrence, let’s get back here [to state].”
Northwest Christian 69, Forks 37
NWC 17 12 23 17 — 69
F 8 6 13 10 — 37
Forks: K. Johnson 13, Wood 8, Neel 6, Gaydeski 5, Ramos 5.
