27th Annual Women's Basketball Classic

Everett, WA – Two weeks after opening up the 2023-2024 season with a pair of wins in Tacoma, the EvCC women's basketball team returned to Larry Walker Court for the 27^th annual Women's Basketball Classic.  The Trojans would host five other schools, a total of 9 games over three days.  Programs include perennial NWAC power Clackamas, last year's NWAC runners up and west region champions Green River, east region contenders Big Bend CC and Spokane CC, and north region foe Skagit Valley College.

The Trojans opened up the classic on Friday night with a game against Spokane, a team the Trojans beat last year at the Classic in a defensive battle 47-41.  This season both teams would have the offenses going and after a blistering first half the score was 45-39 in favor of Spokane. 

EvCC cut into the lead slightly after outscoring Spokane in the 3^rd quarter, and outscored Spokane in the 4^th, but ultimately came up short 79-77 in a thriller.  Baylor Thomas hit a three to tie the game with 37 seconds to go, but Spokane got the shot at the buzzer to fall in.

Thomas finished the game with 33 points which increased her average to 30 points per game and leads the NWAC.  Perla Ruiz had another solid game with 19 points and 5 steals, and Jada Andresen was the other Trojan to score in double figures with 10. 

Saturday's contest featured a matchup with another east region opponent, Big Bend CC out of Moses Lake, WA.  EvCC faced the Vikings on the 2^nd day of the Classic last season as well and won 68-48.  This time, a rough first half shooting of just 13.5% from the field enabled Big Bend to take a 36-17 lead at halftime. Seven of the Trojans first half points came from the free-throw line, and Thomas had 10 points.

Everett outscored the Vikings by eight in the second half, but the 19-point deficit was too much to overcome and Big Bend came out on top 74-63.  Baylor Thomas led the way with 24 points and 8 rebounds, while Jada Andresen scored 14 on 4 of 8 shooting from beyond the arc.

On the final day, EvCC matched up with NWAC powerhouse Clackamas, who had their way in Everett the previous two games winning by an average of 21 points over Big Bend and Green River.  Everett hung tough with the Cougars in the first half and with 3:24 trailed by one.  Clackamas made a pair of threes however, and went into the break leading 35-28. 

The Trojans played a strong 3^rd quarter, as they had all tournament but Clackamas was able to extend the lead to 13 heading into the final quarter.  Everett was able to cut the lead to 8 with two minutes remaining, but couldn't sustain the run, and Clackamas got the win, 72-57.

Three Trojans scored in double figures, Perla Ruiz (13), Jada Andresen (13), and Baylor Thomas (17).  Ruiz, Thomas, and Andresen each had 3 assists, and Ashlee Kluin led the team in rebounds with 7. 

After the long weekend, EvCC will have the week to prepare for a non-conference match up next Saturday with South Puget Sound CC.  The Clippers are 3-3 on the season and tip off will be at 2pm in Everett on Larry Walker Court.