Seniors Mikayla Ferenz and Madi Doepker combined for 42 points, making 21 of 26 free throws, as the fifth-ranked Blue Devils beat No. 4 Bellarmine Prep of Tacoma, 63-49, in the Class 4A girls state basketball tournament.

Share story

TACOMA — Seniors Mikayla Ferenz and Madi Doepker combined for 42 points, making 21 of 26 free throws, as the fifth-ranked Blue Devils beat No. 4 Bellarmine Prep of Tacoma, 63-49, in the Class 4A girls state basketball tournament.

Walla Walla (23-4), making its first appearance since 1990, finished fourth after a first-day loss to Beamer of Federal Way. Bellarmine Prep (23-4) settled for sixth.

State Hoops 2015

Boys: Girls: Photos:

“It’s been 25 years since Wa-Hi’s been here, so to get to play on Saturday in the trophy round is a big accomplishment,” said coach Chris Ferenz, father of twins Mikayla and Kate. “I’m just proud of how hard they played and that they embraced the moment.”

Mikayla, who has signed with Idaho, finished with 22 points, dropping in a trio of three-pointers and 7 of 8 free throws. Doepker added 20, sinking 14 of 18 at the line. The Blue Devils sank 29 of 40 free throws as a team.

Claire Martin and Shalyse Smith paced Bellarmine with 14 and 12 points, respectively.

The Lions cut a 14-point deficit to six with 2:45 to play, 52-46, before Walla Walla pulled away for good.