TACOMA, Wash. — Perhaps no two Class 4A boys basketball powerhouses are more polar opposites than Richland and Gonzaga Prep.
The undefeated Bombers frenetically fly around and let it rip - from everywhere.
The defending state-champion Bullpups are succinct and structured, treating each possession like its own summit.
Both styles will be on display on the biggest stage Saturday as the two District 6 finalists will play for the WIAA Class 4A boys championship in the Tacoma Dome.
“I am not (surprised it is Gonzaga Prep in finals),” Richland junior Jackson Woodard said. “They are really well-coached.”
To really capture how the Bombers conduct their business, imagine getting stuck on the wing of an in-flight fighter jet.
Sure, they made 13 3-points in a fast-paced 83-70 victory over Lake Washington, which canned eight 3-pointers of its own.
But it’s not so much about the shots. It’s the manner in which they reach those shots. It’s as if their in a 40-foot sprint to a certain spot for a pull-up shot.
“A lot of practice, just run and gun,” Woodard said. “We let it go and shoot it.”
The Kangaroos - no slouches themselves in the perimeter-shooting game - hung right with Richland, until they were left in the dust midway through the third quarter.
“We are pretty free,” Richland boys coach Earl Streufert said. “We always tell our guys, ‘You’ve got to be you.’”
What Richland does is what the Bullpups try and prevent. And it’s worked out well - they are playing in their fifth Class 4A title game since 2011 (4-0 record).
“We pride ourselves on teamwork and functioning better together than as individuals,” Gonzaga Prep boys coach Matty McIntyre said. “The kids believe in that.”
The Bullpups only loss since early January was to this undefeated Richland crew in the District 6 finals - 65-53 in the Tri-Cities.
“They are really good,” McIntyre said.
Support our partners at Varsity WA News and subscribe!
