MOUNT VERNON - Chris Qualls had 19 points and 15 rebounds, but that only began to reveal his contributions as Squalicum claimed the Class 2A Northwest District Tournament Championship. As productive as the 6-foot-4 senior forward was, he considered it the best game of his 4-year varsity career because of his second-half defense on Saturday, Feb. 18, at Mount Vernon High School.
Zack Taylor, Cedarcrest's remarkable junior point guard, had only one basket in the second half against Qualls' defense in what Squalicum coach Dave Dickson called a "phenomenal" effort.
Squalicum's victory ended a 10-game winning streak for Cedarcrest (17-6). As the district champion, Squalicum (20-3) will play Friday, Feb. 24, at 8 p.m. at Stanwood High School against the District 2/3 No. 5 seed, to be decided Monday.
Taylor had 15 points at halftime and shot 5 for 9 to give the Red Wolves a 33-28 advantage. Qualls held him to six points in the second half.
Meanwhile, Qualls scored 10 in the second half and point guard B.J. Chunphakvenn had 12 of his game-high 24 points in the second half.
"I am so happy for these guys because they have worked so hard," Squalicum coach Dave Dickson said. "Qualls did an absolutely phenomenal defensive effort and his defense elevated everyone else's defense."
Qualls was so happy to play a major role in a district title game that he could barely hold back his joy.
"I can't even talk right now. It feels so good to get one as a senior," Qualls said. (Qualls played lesser roles on district title teams as a freshman and sophomore.) "Is that guy (Taylor) really a junior? Look out for him next year. Next to (Lynden's) Nate Wielenga, Taylor is the best I've played this season."
Qualls' drive tied the score at 56-all with 3:11 remaining. Taylor made a free throw to give Cedarcrest its last lead, but Qualls made a magnificent leap to score on a follow shot with 2:15 remaining to give Squalicum a 58-57 advantage.
Taylor missed a shot with 1 minute to go, and the Storm (20-3) milked the clock until sophomore Blake Youtsey hit two free throws with 26 seconds to go to make it 60-57.
Cedarcrest's Jordan Corpus scored on a nice turnaround move at the hoop with 14.7 seconds left, but Chunphakvenn made two free throws two seconds later.
Qualls then made the defensive play of the game, when he forced a turnover and Bryce Dickerson recovered the ball with 5.8 seconds remaining. He made the first of two free throws and in an example of all-out hustle, scrambled to grab a long rebound when he missed the second free throw and ran out the clock.
The Storm spent several minutes luxuriating in the trophy ceremony and cutting down the nets. It was especially meaningful because three other seniors - Zerek Csolti, Neilan Pierce and Nathan Mattix - also played big defensive roles after their frustration of missing out on last year's district title, which went to Burlington-Edison.
SQUALICUM 63, CEDARCREST 59
Squalicum 16 12 22 13 - 63
Cedarcrest 16 17 13 13 - 59
Squalicum: Zerek Csolti 5, Joseph Chunphakvenn 24, Chris Qualls 19, Blake Youtsey 6, Neilan Pierce 2, Bryce Dickerson 6, Nathan Mattix 1. Team totals: 21-57 17-25 63.
Cedarcrest: Nick Cardon, Jordan Corpus 18, Chris Dowd 5, Justin Houser 4, Hunter Lee, Tanner Marty 2, Tyler Reeves 3, John Soule 6, Zach Taylor 21. Team totals: 22-48 13-15 59.
3-ptg: Squalicum 4 (Chunphakvenn 2), Cedarcrest 2 (Taylor 1, Dowd 1). Rebounds: Squalicum 34 (Qualls 15), Cedarcrest 25 (Taylor 7). Assists: Squalicum 8 (Qualls 3, Chunphakvenn 3), Cedarcrest 5 (Taylor 3). Fouls: Squalicum 16, Cedarcrest 19.
