2/13/26
#4 Puyallup Vikings 58, #13 Kennedy Catholic Lancers 52
(Puyallup, WA) The path to the Tacoma Dome is quickly coming into view as we enter the District Tournament season. The Puyallup Vikings know that path as well as anyone, reaching the 4A State Championship before falling to Gonzaga Prep on a last-second shot from Brogan Howell. The Kennedy Catholic Lancers haven’t made the big dance since 2017, and were looking to play spoiler and get one win away from ending the drought.
Kennedy Catholic erupted to an 8-2 lead early in the first quarter, as CJ Lambert canned a pair of threes. Puyallup clawed back with Quamari Costello hitting a triple, but Kennedy Catholic held a five-point advantage, 14-9, through the first. In the second, Kennedy Catholic stormed to a 25-13 lead, forcing Puyallup to call a timeout with five and a half minutes left in the half. The Lancers’ lead grew as large as 14 points, and the majority of the second quarter was played with a double-digit margin. Kennedy Catholic’s Zion Stone was spectacular in the first half, scoring 15 points to lead the Lancers. Kennedy Catholic led 35-25 at the half, but Puyallup’s Will Nasinec drained a three-pointer right before the buzzer sounded.
The second half was a different story, as Puyallup went on a 14-2 run to take the lead at 39-37, with Bennett Hedman drilling two three-pointers. Kennedy Catholic rallied as the Lancers took a 43-41 lead with Jonathan Bernez getting a putback underneath. Will Nasinec gave Puyallup a two-point lead with a late basket as the Vikings led 45-43 going into the final eight minutes of regulation. Puyallup jumped out to a 49-43 lead, but CJ Lambert quickly hit a three to make it a three-point deficit for the Lancers. Nasinec hit a short shot, and Lawson Looker followed up with a steal and layup to make it a 53-46 game with three minutes to go. Kennedy Catholic’s CJ Lambert had a three-point play with just under two minutes left to make it a four-point game. After a Puyallup turnover, Lambert connected on a three-pointer, which made it 53-52. Nasinec retaliated with a basket in the paint to make it 55-52 with a minute left. Puyallup came up with clutch stops defensively and hit some free throws late and escaped with a 58-52 victory.
The Sumner Holiday Inn Express Game MVP went to Puyallup’s Lawson Looker. While he scored only four points, his defense, specifically on the ball, was exceptional. He forced numerous turnovers and flipped the momentum of the game to Puyallup in the second half. Looker also ran the point on offense, setting up the Vikings offense for a big second half.
Puyallup was led by Bennett Hedman and Will Nasinec, who each had 15 points. Mason Sonntag had 11 points, Porter Richardson had seven points, and Quamari Costello had three points.
Kennedy Catholic was led by Zion Stone and CJ Lambert, who both had 17 points. Jonathan Bernez had six points, Enoch Berry had four points, Jordan Noel and Nicholas Beardemphl each finished with three points, and Dante Saladino had two points.
Puyallup advances to the District Quarterfinals to face #5 Kentridge on Tuesday in the District Quarterfinals. Puyallup will host that game, with the time to be determined. The winner of that game clinches a spot in the State Tournament and the District Semifinals.
Kennedy Catholic moves to a loser-out game at #12 Union. Both teams will need to win three loser-out games in a row to make it to the big dance.
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Game Highlights
Game MVP Lawson Looker Gets The Theft And Layup
Kennedy Catholic’s CJ Lambert Nails Fourth Quarter Three
Puyallup’s Bennett Hedman Drills The Three
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