Cashmere Falls to Mt. Baker in State Final, 45-44

The Mt. Baker Mountaineers held on 45-44 to hand the Cashmere Bulldogs their first and most stinging defeat of a long season on Saturday. In ever tightening circles, the Bulldogs of Cashmere advanced to the finals by repeating their efforts; in one circle, an old rival, the other Bulldogs from Okanagan, now turned back five times this season. In the other circle, the recently vanquished Mountaineers of Mt. Baker. For Cashmere, the way to the championship was not only the journey, but the endgame, keep playing Okanagan and Mt. Baker until you stand alone. Cashmere failed when their running, scoring game was blunted by Mt. Baker's size and ability to grind out a low scoring struggle. The Bulldogs came roaring back from a half-time score of 30-15 led by point guard sensation, Hailey Van Lith. Piling on the points, spurred by turnovers and ball control, Cashmere put together a lead of 40-34 but could not continue successfully shooting from outside or coming up with big baskets when needed. Opportunities at the free throw line and shooting around the Mt. Baker defense were challenges not met by the Bulldogs in the last 60 seconds of the final frustrating game of the year for Cashmere. The finals basketball action called by Kevin Rounce and Dylan Carder on Wenatchee sister station, Sports Radio 1340, "The Hawk", and streaming on KPQ dot com.