Knights optimistic for future after third place finish at state

ROYAL CITY — The Royal Knights (23-5) wrapped their season with a historic run to the 1A state semifinals and third-place finish, the first time they’ve appeared in the tournament since 2001.   

“I'm thrilled with this season,” Head Coach Farrah Wardenaar said. “We set some goals, and one of them was to get to the SunDome. To do it and then get third place, it was almost unattainable, but (we’re) so happy that we stayed focused. When we went to Tacoma and beat Annie Wright, I think it was like a light switch for our girls, like we can compete with these guys, and the momentum kept going from there.”   

In the best way, this season exceeded Wardenaar’s expectations, she said. Their state tournament run began against Annie Wright in the first round in Tacoma. There, they were victorious 57-45 as they advanced to play Bellevue Christian in the quarterfinals. A 51-42 win sent them to the semifinals against King's. They battled hard to the final buzzer but were defeated 42-27.   

However, they bounced back with a 44-42 win over Lynden Christian to earn a third-place finish in the 1A state tournament. What they were able to accomplish this season set a promising foundation for future players that will come through the program.   

“To go in there and get wins against programs like that, it’s unreal, and it's a step in the right direction. When we came out of the locker room after we won, you see all these little sisters and all the younger girls there, and they're so excited, and they can't wait for their turn,” she said.   

As they garnered more success throughout the season, Wardenaar was blown away with the community's response to the Lady Knights. A raucous crowd turned out for the Knights in Yakima for their semifinals and third-place game.   

“People from Royal didn't really go to the basketball tournament (before), like it wasn't a thing. Everybody went to football, but it's getting exciting when you go down on that court and it's packed and it is so loud,” she said. “Our band was there; they were awesome. Our cheerleaders went and stayed all week. The student section was packed every day, family, friends, long time Royal people, it was fun.”  

As she reflected on the season, Wardenaar noted her player’s growth from the first time they played Wapato to the second time they met this season. The first time they met was in December; they were defeated 62-51 on the road. The next time they faced off was Jan. 24 where the Knights redeemed their loss with a 51-43 win at home.   

“They're a good program, so when we beat them, I think everybody was like, ‘Okay, we can do this,’” the coach said.   

In addition to a deep state tournament run, multiple players made their way into Knights history with their performances this season. Graycie Kast tied the single game scoring record with 39 points earlier this season, while Briana Cedillo tied the single game three-point record at seven.   

The Knights will graduate four seniors after this season, when Haidyn Sutor, Taylor Webb, Avarie Hill and Cedillo will close their chapters as Knights. The group's presence and leadership will be missed, Wardenaar said.   

“The four of them really set the tone. We had no issues all year, and they were happy and I'm really going to miss all of them,” she said.   

On the flipside, Royal will likely return several core players next season with an opportunity to build off this year’s success. Lauren Wardenaar, Maggie Frank, Vanesa Cedillo, Lauren Allred, Paige Christensen and Kast will make up the Knights senior class next season.   

With an experienced roster, Wardenaar said she is confident they can earn their way back into the state tournament next season.

    The Knights’ Briana Cedillo (11) surveys the court during the Knights semifinal game against King’s in the 1A state tournament. Cedillo tied the single game three-point record for Royal athletics this season with seven.
  

    Graycie Kast (22) wrestles a Zillah defender for control of the ball during their game earlier this season. Kast tied the single game record for points this season with 39.
  

    Maggie Frank (5) eyes her teammates as she looks to pass the ball. Head Coach Farrah Wardenaar called Frank her defensive specialist due to her ‘in your face’ style of defense.
  

    The Royal Knights Head Coach Farrah Wardenaar, kneeling in black, gives her team feedback during a timeout earlier this season.
  

    The Knights’ Vanes Cedillo (10) calls out a play to her teammates during a game earlier this season.