BY OLY ARCHIBALD

TACOMA — The Port Angeles Roughriders girls basketball team, with a 16-6 record, staged an impressive comeback upset, defeating Eatonville (20-4) by a score of 48-44.

This victory advances the Roughriders to the District Championship game on Saturday at 1:00 p.m. at Mount Tahoma High School. They will face Olympic League champion Bainbridge, who defeated North Kitsap 33-20 in the other semifinal.

The first half was difficult for the Roughriders, who struggled against Eatonville’s zone defense, which forced them into tough, long-range shots. Port Angeles trailed 8-2 after the first quarter and 22-8 at halftime. The situation worsened in the third quarter when the Roughriders fell behind 33-16. However, they suddenly found their rhythm, narrowing the deficit to 33-21 heading into the fourth quarter.

In the final quarter, the Roughriders exploded offensively, outscoring Eatonville 27-11. It was a complete team effort, with juniors Makkia Stevens and Teanna Clark and senior Lexie Smith hitting crucial shots, including key three-pointers from Stevens and Smith. Lexie Smith led the team with 14 points, while Lindsay Smith added 13 points despite controversial foul calls. Stevens contributed two critical three-pointers for 6 points, Clark scored 6 points, and Morgan Politika added 4 points, including the decisive shot at the buzzer. Becca Manson and Cayleigh Alward each added 2 points.

Making the comeback even more remarkable, the Roughriders only scored 2 points from free throws compared to Eatonville’s 10 points from the line. This victory greatly enhances Port Angeles’ chances of advancing to Yakima by securing a more favorable Sweet 16 regional matchup.

Makkhia Stevens and Morgan Politika were featured on the KONP postgame show. Stevens hit two late three-pointers, and Politika sealed the victory with a buzzer-beater as the Roughriders upset Eatonville 48-44.

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In boys district action tonight, the Sequim Wolves (18-3) face Franklin Pierce (18-3) in a semifinal matchup. The winner will advance to the championship game at Mount Tahoma on Saturday at 3:00 p.m. Last year, Franklin Pierce ended Sequim’s season in a district elimination game, 67-48. The Cardinals are led by senior Javon Barbee, averaging 29 points per game, and junior Hakeem Collins, averaging 18 points.

You can hear live coverage on KONP Newsradio, with the Les Schwab Tires pregame show starting at 4:45 p.m. and tip-off at 5:00 p.m.

The Roughrider boys (10-13) will travel to Clover Park (13-8) tonight for a 6:00 p.m. tip-off. This is an elimination game, with the winner advancing to a regional qualifying game on Saturday at Foss High School at 5:00 p.m. Their opponent will be the loser of tonight’s Sequim-Franklin Pierce game.

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In NWAC basketball action Saturday, Peninsula College travels to Everett, with the men’s game at 2:00 p.m. and the women’s game at 4:00 p.m.

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Congratulations to the Stevens 7th grade basketball team, the Stampeders, who dominated the Olympic Peninsula with a perfect 10-0 season. The 8th grade team finished 7-3.

The Stevens 7th and 8th grade basketball teams ended their season. The 7th graders had a perfect 10-0 record and the 8th graders finished 7-3

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The Roughriders have 11 wrestlers competing at the State Wrestling Tournament at the Tacoma Dome: Talon Newton, Lily Lancaster, Bryelle Wopperer, Margaret Conkle, Persephone Perry, Cooper Ness, Lukas Teague, Stryder Wilhelm, Quinn Messersmith, Cole Anderson, and John Grubbs.

The Roughriders’ “Magnificent 11” are competing at the state wrestling tournament at the Tacoma Dome.