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Sparling’s 31 Propels Ellensburg to Finals Appearance
By Steve Dion

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Ellensburg senior Coleman Sparling

A clash of elite scorers told the story in a 2A winner-to-state match-up between Mark Morris and Ellensburg. Coleman Sparlings game-high 34 points proved enough to lead the Bulldogs past a 32 point effort by Monarchs junior Will Burghardt. The Monarchs carried a slim lead into the intermission through an increasingly emphasized defensive effort as the first half wore on.

It appeared this game was headed for a close finish as the second half progressed. However, Ellensburg put that possibility to bed when Bryce Helgeson, Trey Bennett, and Sparling put together a run that caught the Monarchs off guard. This put Bill Bakamus in a coaching situation where they needed to foul the Bulldogs and hope they could catch up by slowing the game down. Ellensburg didn’t waver and was able to stave off Mark Morris for a comfortable win.

After the game, Bulldogs coach Del Enders talked about their game plan down the stretch which included “speeding them up, forcing them to take quick shots; quick rebounds, and that just plays right into it then they have to foul us.” In regards to Sparling’s big time performance, Enders said, “He would not be denied. 19 points in the first half, all kinds of rebounds.” As Ellensburg prepares for the state finals, the Bulldogs will focus on free throw shooting considering “throughout the game, especially on one-and-ones, we’re notorious for leaving the front end.”

The Final Score
Ellensburg 70, Mark Morris 59.

Top Performers:

Ellensburg
Coleman Sparling- 34 points, 13 rebounds

Mark Morris
Will Burghardt- 32 points