Inglemoor defeats Rogers in overtime at 4A state tourney

Viks take the upper hand, 65-54.

By Andy Nystrom • February 27, 2019 10:00 pm

Always keep your head in the game and never give up.

Inglemoor High freshman Colbi Zorich feels those were crucial factors in propelling her squad to a thrilling overtime victory tonight at the Tacoma Dome.

In the opening round of the 4A state tournament, the Vikings defeated Rogers, 65-54, and advance to a matchup with Eastlake at 5:30 p.m. tomorrow.

Inglemoor (21-6) outscored Rogers (18-11) 14-3 in overtime to notch the win after tying the game at 51-51 with 27.6 seconds left in regulation. It was a wild fourth quarter, which saw Rogers erase an eight-point deficit to go up 49-47, and then the teams traded points to set the stage for overtime. Both teams had chances to win at the end of regulation, but couldn’t cash in.

“We just fought strong and played hard,” said Zorich, whose layin tied the game at 51-51. She finished with 11 points and 10 rebounds.

“It’s crazy. We’re all just together, we all play as one and we all aren’t selfish with the ball. We give each other opportunities and chances,” Zorich added.

The young Viking said it was an exciting and nerve-wracking experience in the loser-out contest.

Also scoring big for Inglemoor were senior Eva Taylor with 15 points (including four three-pointers), junior Lucy Young with 14 points and nine rebounds and senior Jenna Troy with 14 points and five rebounds.

Taylor’s four treys are her top amount this season and she put in tons of time in practice shooting behind the arc. All the hard work paid off, she said with a smile.

“All my three-pointers were all open shots, and I think my teammates driving and kicking out just got me better options and better opportunities to shoot,” she said. “I knew that we needed to get a win tonight, so I wanted to be confident with my shot.”

Taylor added that her teammates pumped her up and made her excited to keep shooting and knocking down the threes. One of her treys came at the buzzer to end the first half to place the Viks ahead, 30-28.

The senior felt that confidence and perseverance until the end of the game put the Vikings on track to earn the victory.