BATTLE GROUND JUNIOR Kayla Cruz (4) scored 10 points to help the Tigers claim a comeback win over Mountain View in the opening game of the Class 4A district tournament last week. Cruz, shown here in a game earlier this season, and her teammates were eliminated two nights later with a loss to Skyview.
BATTLE GROUND SENIOR Kellen Butler (3), shown here in a game earlier this season scored 18 points to lead his team to a win over Skyview in the Class 4A district tournament last week. The Tigers were eliminated from the tournament with a loss to Union in the semifinals on Wednesday.
The Battle Ground High School boys and girls basketball teams each entered their respective Class 4A district tournaments as the Greater St. Helens League (GSHL) No. 5 seed. Despite that, both Tigers’ teams pulled off upsets in the first round of the playoffs before having their seasons ended with losses in the semifinals.
Battle Ground’s boys opened the district tournament with a 58-48 win at Skyview on Feb. 8. The Tigers outscored the Storm 26-18 to pull away in the fourth quarter and to seal the victory. Senior Kellen Butler led Battle Ground with 18 points. Junior Renato Mendoza added 12 points and senior Kobe Ford had 11.
The Tigers advanced to meet GSHL-champion Union in the district semifinals on Wednesday. Battle Ground lost 83-73 and was eliminated from the tournament. Junior Daelon Floyd had 18 points to lead the Tigers. Mendoza added 17, Ford chipped in 16 and Butler had 11. Battle Ground finished the season with a 9-13 overall record.
Battle Ground’s girls opened the district tournament with a 47-41 win at Mountain View on Feb. 9. The Tigers outscored the Thunder 33-18 in the second half to post the comeback victory. Senior Kylie Smith led the way with 12 points and junior Kayla Cruz and sophomore Morgan Stradley each added 10 points.
Battle Ground then advanced to meet GSHL-champion Skyview in the semifinals and the Tigers were eliminated with a 61-45 loss. Battle Ground finished the season with a 7-14 overall record.
