State Champs

Lynden, Lynden Christian and Nooksack Valley celebrate their championship victories after they each won state at the Yakima Valley SunDome on Saturday, March 4. (Nathan Schumock/Lynden Tribune)

Nooksack Valley joins Lynden, Lynden Christian as state champions

Nooksack Valley 43

Lynden Christian 36

Nathan Schumock

Sports Editor

YAKIMA — Nooksack Valley girls did just enough to subdue Lynden Christian and take home their rst 1A championship trophy in program history.

It has taken 46 years and 26 state tournament appearances for the Pioneers to hold up the trophy, but star junior guard Devin Coppinger said that made it all the more better.

“ is is a history-making team,” Coppinger said. “I would not want to do it with any other girls.”

In 2022, the Pioneers su ered a heartbreaking onepoint loss to LC. is year, Nooksack Valley was on the other end of the spectrum in their triumphant 43-36 victory. ese two teams knew each other well. Over the past two years, they have faced each other six times. is season Nooksack Valley nished 3-0 against Lynden Christian and slightly bested the Lyncs at every turn.

See Revenge on B2

Lynden Christian 57 Kings 47

Nathan Schumock Sports Editor e Lyncs are back-to-back champions for the rst time in program history after the 57-47 victory on Saturday, March 4. It is the eighth state championship title that LC has won since they started playing in the tournament in 1965.

YAKIMA — Lynden Christian defeated Kings for the second straight year to win the 1A boys state championship game.

LC head coach Tim Zylstra said he is thankful to have the opportunity to coach these kids to another championship victory.

It is the third straight championship game that featured LC and Kings. In 2020, Kings squeaked by LC by three points. ere was no title game in 2021 due to COVID-19, so their next matchup did not come until 2022. e Lyncs got revenge on Kings in their second bout and returned

See Two Straight on B4

Lynden 61

Mark Morris 43

Nathan Schumock

Sports Editor

YAKIMA — e Lynden Lions boys nished o the round of championship games by throttling Mark Morris 61-43 to win their second consecutive 2A title. is is the Lion's fourth state championship win in the last ve state tournaments. In the last 11 years, they have placed in the top three every single year. Since 1923 when Lynden played in their rst state championship they have hoisted the trophy a staggering 12 times.

Lynden head coach Brian Roper said their team learned throughout the year to care and play for each other.

“We say enjoy the journey and trust the process and they did that,” Roper said.

Lynden faced a tough path en route to the title game. In districts, they fell to Sehome and were forced to play two extra win or out games. ey won both of

See Back-to-Back on B3