Washington wins at Cedar Falls, claims sole possession of MVC Valley Division lead

CEDAR FALLS — The consequences were twofold, and Lily Belle Barker knew it.

First of all ...

“Obviously, a goal is to win the conference,” she said.

And second ...

“A home game to go to state,” she added.

Class 5A ninth-ranked Cedar Rapids Washington put itself in good position for both, topping No. 7 Cedar Falls, 43-37, in a Mississippi Valley Conference girls basketball showdown Tuesday night at Cedar Falls High School.

Jayla Strong scored seven of her game-high 14 points in the final 5:35, including a layup off of Hailey Becker’s full-court inbound pass to seal it.

“I was thinking, ‘Hailey, don’t chuck the ball too far,’” Strong said. “I didn’t think I was going to catch up to it.”

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The victory was the ninth consecutive for the Warriors (13-3 overall, 10-1 MVC) who moved a game in front of Cedar Falls (14-4, 9-2) in the Valley Division race with three to play.

Washington’s last divisional title was 12 years ago.

Plus, Tuesday’s outcome drastically increases the likelihood of home-court advantage in a regional final, when the time comes.

“We’re playing well,” Washington Coach Chris James said. “We’re doing some really good things defensively. Offensively, we’re not hitting a lot of our shots yet. Hopefully, it’s a matter of time.”

Washington led the entire way, bolting to a 15-2 lead after a quarter, then stayed tough each time the Tigers got close.

“It’s so important to stay positive,” Strong said. “Trust, trust, trust ... that’s a big thing for us.”

Strong’s 3-pointer gave Washington a 36-26 cushion with 5:35 left, and the Warriors led 40-31 on Barker’s bucket with 2:40 to go.

Cedar Falls closed within 40-37 on Mackenzie Sagers’ drive with 0:41 remaining, and the Tigers called timeout.

James called for the deep pass on the inbounds, and Strong made sure it was more than a desperation Hail Mary.

Barker added 11 points — eight in the first quarter — for the Warriors. Sira Doumbia posted 10 points and 10 rebounds. Samantha Becker tallied seven points, all from the free throw line.

Sagers paced Cedar Falls with 11 points. Drake recruit Karis Finley missed most of the first quarter with an injury and scored seven.

Washington posted a 35-22 rebounding advantage, 19-10 in the second half.

Cedar Rapids Washington 43, Cedar Falls 37

At Cedar Falls

C.R. WASHINGTON (43): Jayla Strong 6-11 0-0 14, Lily Belle Barker 4-10 1-2 11, Samantha Becker 0-9 7-8 7, Hailey Becker 0-2 1-2 1, Sira Doumbia 5-10 0-0 10, Gabriela Pedroso 0-3 0-0 0, Tashiyana Fields 0-2 0-0 0, Aniya Wahe 0-0 0-0 0. Totals 15-47 9-12 43.

CEDAR FALLS (37): Mackenzie Urbanek 1-3 0-0 2, Mackenzie Sagers 5-9 1-1 11, Jordann Oakland 1-10 0-0 3, Karis Finley 3-4 1-2 7, Taylor Vore 2-7 2-2 8, Colbie Bear 1-1 0-0 2, Shai Meyer 0-1 0-0 0, Ayla Suiter 1-1 2-6 4. Totals 14-36 6-11 37.

C.R. Washington 15 6 11 11 — 43

Cedar Falls 2 17 7 11 — 37

3-point goals: Washington 4-19 (Strong 2-5, Barker 2-6, S. Becker 0-2, H. Becker 0-2, Doumbia 0-1, Pedroso 0-2, Fields 0-1), Cedar Falls 3-19 (Urbanek 0-1, Sagers 0-4, Oakland 1-6, Finley 0-1, Vore 2-7). Team fouls: Washington 16, Cedar Falls 10. Fouled out: Vore. Rebounds: Washington 35 (Doumbia 10), Cedar Falls 22 (Urbanek 5). Assists: Washington 9 (four with 2), Cedar Falls 6 (Oakland, Vore 2). Steals: Washington 7 (S. Becker 3), Cedar Falls 8 (Urbanek 4). Turnovers: Washington 12, Cedar Falls 14.

Comments: jeff.linder@thegazette.com