1A Boys State: Lynden Christian 69, Kings 44

The Lynden Christian Lyncs will play in the state semifinals for the fifth consecutive season, as they distanced themselves early from the Kings Knights in a 69-44 win in the quarterfinals, Thursday in the Yakima SunDome..

Senior forward Luke VanKooten hit back-to-back 3-pointers in the first quarter as the Lyncs raced to a 13-2 lead which eventually hit 21-5 at the end of the quarter.

The Lyncs other big man, sophomore Kaden Veldman dominated the interior at both ends of the floor, with 11 points, five rebounds, and three blocked shots, all in the first half.  The Lyncs led 34-18 at halftime.

In the third quarter, Lyncs sophomore guard Gunnar Dykstra showed his shooting eye is back, as he hit three 3-pointers in the quarter.  He also hit two in the first half, one of which was from 28-feet out, right in front of the Kings bench.  He added another one for insurance in the fourth quarter.

The Lyncs spread the scoring around but were led by the 18 points from Gunnar Dykstra, on 6-7 shooting from 3-point land.  Veldman added 13 and ten rebounds, and ten points for Gannon Dykstra.  Dawson Hintz scored nine points and also had ten rebounds.

The Knights were led by Colton Adams with 12 points, then 11 points each for Blake Needham and Andrew Gerbig.

The Lyncs (23-2) will play the winner of the quarterfinal game between Chelan and Royal, at 9:00pm, Friday.  The Knights will play the loser of that game at 2:00pm.

~ Ted House