It took allowing 60-plus points in back-to-back games for the Riverhawks to wake up defensively and consider them on high alert after shutting down the Fishermen 69-9 in a district tournament win on Saturday in Montesano.
The nine points scored by Ilwaco is the lowest output in Class 2B District 4 tournament history on the girls side. Over a month ago, the non-league matchup between the two was a 67-25 final in favor of Toledo.
“Went back to the basics, principles of our defense,” Riverhawks head coach Brian Layton said. “We came out and did what we thought we could do.”
Most of the 34 points scored by Toledo (14-7) in the opening eight minutes were from beyond the arc. Sidney Kruger made three 3s and three others made at least one. It totaled 11 trifectas on the night, tying the school record.
Kruger finished with a game-high 19 points and Taysia Miller recorded 17. Layton expressed confidence in both Kruger and Miller to make in-rhythm shots from downtown. Ryah Stanley added 11 points plus six steals. Grace Layton and Kailea Lairson combined for 15 rebounds and seven steals.
Up next for the Riverhawks is a date with league champ Napavine on Tuesday in Centralia. The Tigers won handily in the penultimate game of the regular season last week.
“They are really good and they’re the league champs for a reason,” Coach Layton said. “We’ll see what happens.”
