WARDEN — Okanogan had the pedigree — two straight state championships at the 2B level and 65 wins in its last 66 games.

But, despite being on the wrong side of the size and talent equation, Warden did not quit and showed an admirable toughness in a 58-17 loss against the Bulldogs.

“We’re usually a team that’s a second half team so we try and just play hard all through,” point guard Ashlyn Yamane said. “We knew that going into this game they were really tough so we tried to just play hard and play all four quarters.”

Led by Jordyn Boesel and Jill Townsend, Okanogan opened the game on a 14-0 run before Bailey Whitney drew a foul and sunk both free throws for Warden’s first points 4:11 into the game.

Whitney and Ellie Conahan scored four points each in the first quarter.

However, Boesel and Townsend combined for 20 and the Bulldogs led comfortably 25-8.

Warden was able to find some success defensively in the second quarter. The Bulldogs scored 13 straight points, but it came in fits and starts in the midst of turnovers.

“I think defensively, like you said, we kind of frustrated them a little bit,” head coach Dan Caballero said. “They’re used to scoring at will inside and tonight they were on; they made a lot of three’s. We just had to do a better job of going back to work and making sure we close out a little better and try to work a little harder.”

The success defensively in the second was negated by the lack of offense. Cassidy Turner’s three-pointer from the right corner as the first half expired kept the Cougars from a shut out.

In the third quarter, a 20-footer by Townsend put Okanogan ahead 52-11 and enacted a running clock.

Townsend finished with 19 points. Boesel had 17 and Kendra Sachse scored 14 points, including a 9-0 spurt in the second quarter.

Whitney led the Cougars with five points, but had more quality looks than her total indicated.

“It was great for Bailey to play against somebody like Townsend who’s big and defends well,” Caballero said.

Score by quarters

Okanogan — 25 13 16 4 58

Warden — 8 3 0 6 17

Box score

Warden — Bailey Whitney 5, Elli Conahan 4, Cassidy Turner 3, Ashlyn Yamane 3, Aubree Skone 2

Okanogan — Jill Townsend 19, Jordyn Boesel 17, Kendra Sachse 14, Jada Rasmussen 4, Alexis Jones 2, Emilee Beetchenow 2