Colfax goes fourth

YAKIMA – Every great story deserves an equally great ending.

The only problem for Colfax is that the Bulldogs have yet to scribble a final chapter.

Kylie Shaw made six free throws in the game’s final minute, and fellow senior Lauren Mellor cemented the victory with a last-second steal in the Bulldogs’ 31-28 victory over King’s in the girls State 1A basketball tournament title game at the SunDome on Saturday night.

Colfax’s state championship was the team’s fourth straight, the most any team has won consecutively at any classification level. The victory also ended King’s title-winning streak after the Knights had captured the past two 2A titles.

“I can’t believe it,” said Shaw, who finished with a game-high 16 points and shot 10 for 10 from the free-throw line. “It’s amazing. I’m still in shock.”

Colfax had to overcome a scoreless first quarter and didn’t secure its first lead until 24 seconds remained in the game. Shaw was fouled after stealing an inbounds pass and made the two ensuing free throws for a 29-28 advantage.

Shaw was whistled for a loose-ball foul with 11 seconds left, though, awarding Knights sophomore Kelli Cutright two free-throw attempts. Cutright misfired on both shots, however, and Shaw extended the Bulldogs’ lead to three with another pair of free throws.

Mellor then stepped in front of a pass at midcourt to steal the ball and deny the Knights a last-second attempt.

“How fitting,” Colfax coach Corey Baerlocher said of two seniors who completed their high school careers 16-0 at state and with four state championships to show for their effort.

“They are a big inspiration,” Bulldogs junior Sadie Lazzarini said. “They work the hardest and are so encouraging to the younger girls.”

Shaw will continue her basketball career next year at Wenatchee Valley College. Also a standout volleyball player, Mellor said she’s interested in playing at Eastern Washington, Washington State or Auburn. Mellor was named to the all-tournament second team.

“It’s sad,” Mellor said with the realization she had just played her last high school game, “but looking back, it’s been a great four years. I’ve been pretty lucky.”

Luck didn’t factor much into the Bulldogs’ victory. Colfax trailed 10-0 after the game’s first 8 minutes and the Bulldogs couldn’t get going against a team that was their equal on defense.

King’s neutralized Jordan Harazin (an all-tournament first-teamer) and Megan Teade (a second-teamer) and forced the Bulldogs to explore other options. Aggressively attacking the lane each time she touched the ball, Shaw clearly was Option No. 1.

She calmly sank two free throws with 57 seconds left in the game to pull Colfax within 27-25. King’s Jana Jack was fouled quickly and made 1 of 2 free throws to push her team’s lead back to three, but Harazin recorded her only field goal with a putback with 40 seconds left to draw Colfax within 28-27.

Shaw then stole King’s inbounds pass and was fouled, setting up the Bulldogs’ late heroics.

Colfax’s defensive effort allowed the Bulldogs to keep within striking distance even after King’s led 15-4 midway through the second quarter.