No Event Celebrates High School Spirit Like The State Basketball Tournament, And This Year, Davis High School, Along With Other Yakima Venues, Is Set To Host The Exciting Clash Of Talents.
This weekend marks the beginning of the highly anticipated State Basketball Tournament, where eight of the Valley’s 18 basketball teams are gearing up to chase their championship dreams. The tournament kicks off this Friday evening at Davis High School, known colloquially as the 'Pirate Ship', with athletic director Bob Stanley expressing enthusiasm: "We knew we were on the list to host, so we pulled it together."
The action starts with two exciting matchups on Friday night. Fourth-seeded Yakama Tribal will face off against fifth-seeded Wellpinit at 6 p.m. The girls’ contest marks the commencement of the tournament, followed by another high-stakes game between number 11 Wapato and 15th-seeded King’s Way Christian as both vie for glory at 8 p.m.
Saturday promises to be even more thrilling, with six consecutive games planned at the Davis venue. The day features rivalry clashes with the orange and black dominating the scene as Zillah and Davis high schools gear up for their games. The first match, set for 10 a.m., showcases No. 9 Mabton facing off against 16th-seeded La Conner. Following this, fans can expect to witness the Leopards' doubleheader, featuring both the boys' and girls' matches.
The Zillah girls, ranked third after winning their district championship, will challenge No. 6 Seton Catholic at noon, closely followed by the No. 4 Leopards boys team against fifth-seeded King’s. The culmination of the day’s events will see Davis’ top-seeded girls squad take the court against No. 8 Sumner at 6 p.m. This rematch is significant as these two teams previously faced each other last year during the Tacoma Dome finals.
Among the participants, the Davis boys' team, seeded ninth, looks to make waves against No. 16 Woodinville later on Saturday. Notably, senior star Cesar Hernandez, who stands second on the school’s all-time scoring list, is anticipated to play his final home games under the guidance of revered Hall of Fame coach Eli Juarez, who recently announced his retirement. "It’s going to be a fun day," exclaimed Stanley, summing up the exciting atmosphere expected throughout the weekend.
Other venues such as Ellensburg High School will also contribute to the tournament's action. Here, the second-seeded Bulldogs girls squad—defending champions from the past two years—will host No. 7 Columbia River. Also hitting the road will be boys' district champions West Valley, seeded sixth, along with Selah, ranked fifth.
The tournament format is structured to feature intense competition, with the top seeds guaranteed spots among the 12-team fields of their respective classes. The opening matchups are set with No. 1 facing No. 8, No. 2 taking on No. 7, No. 3 versus No. 6, and No. 4 matched against No. 5. Winners will advance, setting up scenarios for quarterfinals, scheduled for March 6, just over the horizon.
This year’s event is not only pivotal for the teams involved but also serves as a festivity for local communities, uniting fans, families, and students cheering for their respective schools. Players on both the boys’ and girls’ teams have garnered acclaim and established friendships through their hard work throughout the season, culminating this weekend at the tournament.
Anticipation builds as teams prepare for these decisive matchups, working tirelessly to etch their names alongside state champions of previous years. This convergence of local talent at Davis High School and elsewhere around Yakima is set to create unforgettable memories for those involved.
Fans are encouraged to turn out and support their teams, embracing the spirit of high school sports and showcasing their pride. With fierce rivalries igniting the hardwood, it's safe to say the 2025 State Basketball Tournament promises excitement and drama, ensuring basketball enthusiasts won't want to miss out.
At the heart of this spirited tournament is the shared dedication of coaches, families, and players aspiring to achieve their dreams, highlighting high school basketball's importance within the community. Who will rise to the occasion and claim the coveted state titles? The action starts this weekend!