08-03-2025
Recaps, highlights from semifinals at 4A and 3A state boys basketball tournaments
Between the Class 4A and 3A boys state tournaments, 30 high school basketball games will be played in the Tacoma Dome this weekend. The News Tribune will be providing game recaps, highlights, interviews, stats and more.
Follow along for live updates from Friday's semifinals.
CLASS 4A SEMIFINALS
Gonzaga Prep has been here before. Trailing most of the game against No. 3 Glacier Peak in the 4A state tournament semifinals on Friday afternoon at the Tacoma Dome, the Bullpups never panicked.
'We're never nervous,' guard Ryan Carney said. 'We've had a bunch of close games, a couple in Spokane where we got down big at halftime. We just stick together, trust our defense and just slowly claw back.'
That's been the recipe this year for the top-seeded Bullpups, who lost their two top players to injury before the season even began: stick around and win tight, one or two possession games. The Bullpups forced overtime against the Grizzlies on Friday and pulled away for a 62-50 win.
In overtime, Carney stole the show, knocking down a layup and then hitting a corner 3-pointer to put the Bullpups up by five. Gonzaga Prep never looked back.
'Our shots hadn't been falling and we knew that they were bound to,' Carney said. 'My guards had been driving and getting open a lot so I knew that I was eventually gonna get a corner three. I got lucky that Brogan (Howell) kicked one to me and I was able to get it.'
Gonzaga Prep coach Matty McIntyre said he felt grabbing an early overtime lead was crucial.
'Absolutely huge,' he said. 'The team that probably started with the lead in overtime was really gonna carry the day there. For (Carney) to come in and get in the paint and then knock down that open three, that's big-time. Big time guts.'
Like his team, McIntyre never looked fazed on the sideline. His stoic expression may have concealed some inner turmoil, though.
'I'm miserable,' he said, laughing. 'I'm in absolute agony.'
Josiah Lee and Reed Nagel each scored a game-high 18 points for the Grizzlies. Gonzaga Prep's output was typically balanced; Carney led with 14, Hudson Floyd and Brogan Howell scored 12 apiece, Carter Nilson had 10 and Jackson Mott chipped in eight.
'That's the story of this team,' Carney said. 'We knew that everyone had to step up. We've had all sorts of guys that scored double digits, it's not just one person, which makes us a special team.'
Gonzaga Prep will face the winner of the Puyallup vs. West Valley (Yakima) in Saturday night's Class 4A state championship game.
