District 8 3A boys: JT Smith powers Mt. Spokane to regionals

JT Smith scored 30 points with six 3-pointers and Mt. Spokane (17-6) eliminated Kennewick (11-13) 78-65 in the District 8 3A second-place game at the Spokane Arena on Friday and earned a trip to the regional round of state.

Tyson Degenhart scored 19 points and Jerry Twenge added 10 for the Wildcats.

After a close first quarter, Mt. Spokane heated up – specifically junior wing Smith, who drilled three consecutive 3-pointers en route to opening a 41-30 lead at intermission. Smith had 19 points in the first half, including five 3-pointers.

Smith added another 3 in the third, as did Degenhart, and the Wildcats led 59-48 heading into the fourth quarter.

Kennewick got it to nine with 2:30 left but no closer.

Smith admitted the quick turnaround from Thursday’s loss was difficult. “It was a little but hard,” Smith said. “It was a tough game but we battled back and played as a team.”