TACOMA — Erupting for 41 points in the fourth quarter, Grays Harbor clinched no worse than a share of the NWAC Western Division women’s basketball title with a 102-80 win over Tacoma Community College on Wednesday night at Tacoma.
The Chokers (11-1, 23-2) lead Lower Columbia by one game with one GHC league game remaining. They can clinch their first undisputed division title with a victory over cellar-dwelling Green River at home on Saturday.
Grays Harbor led 26-16 after one quarter Wednesday. But in what has been something of a season-long pattern, the Chokers fell off in the middle two quarters, enabling the Titans to take a 63-61 lead into the final period.
Dominating the fourth quarter, Choker ace Alexia Thrower finished with 35 points and 14 rebounds. Angela Sikora added 26 points.
Choker coach Chad Allan cited Estelle Wilson for defense and Sandin Kidder for passing.
Among their other attributes, the Chokers shot brilliantly from the foul line. They hit 25 of 26 free throws.
“Good execution down the stretch and I’m very proud of their resilience,” Allan commented. “We’re still a work in progress.
Grays Harbor 26 21 14 41 — 102
Tacoma 16 30 17 17 — 80
Grays Harbor (102) — Brisbois 14, Wilson 14, Thrower 35, Sikora 26, Kidder 9, Feaster 2, Bell 2, Sunchild, Hernandez. FG — 33-68 (.485). FT — 25-26.
Tacoma (80) — Porter 7, Holland 13, Pritchett 20, Alvarado 14, Snodgrass, Duran 2, Owens 24, Kawaka. FG — 28-72 (.389). FT — 18-27.
MEN
Titans 82, Chokers 72
TACOMA — Four players scored in double figures as Tacoma held off a second-half Grays Harbor comeback.
The Titans led 50-23 at the half.
Corneilus Holifield and Caleb Thomas scored 17 points apiece for the Chokers. Further details were not reported.
The Chokers (1-11, 4-22) close out their season at home Saturday against Green River.
