EAST WENATCHEE — The Warden Cougars made a strong push in the district tournament, beating Tonasket 72-68 and Goldendale 53-50 last weekend to qualify for state. After falling to Liberty Bell 67-47 on Saturday afternoon, the Cougars finished sixth in District 5 as they prepare for their first game of state competition. 

“It still breaks me up because I’m so proud of these guys, very proud,” said head coach Brent Erdmann. “They work so hard and have done everything I’ve asked.” 

The Cougars needed to win two games to qualify for the state tournament, as the games against Tonasket and Goldendale were automatic elimination with a loss. Erdmann said the boys battled through to win the two close matchups. 

Warden fell short in the final district game against Liberty Bell, but they had already qualified for state and were playing for seeding. Following Saturday’s results, the Cougars were placed as the 16th seed in the 2B State Basketball Tournament. 

Throughout districts, Erdmann said the Cougars were the underdog in each of their matchups, but through their poise, they were able to step up and handle whatever situation that came their way to fight all the way into State. This is something he wants the team to continue as they make their way into the state tournament. 

“We’re the small fish in that pond and that’s okay because we bite big,” he said. “It’s really fun to watch that and to see these guys work.” 

With the team now in the mix to make their run in the state tournament, Erdmann said the planning stage is in place to make the most of the opportunity. 

The state competition is going to be an onslaught for the Cougars, said the coach, and the boys are going to have to give everything they have, but at the same time, he wants the team to have fun while they do it. 

“I’m telling them to enjoy it,” said Erdmann. “We’re not some of these big schools that go every year, and they expect it. We get in, enjoy it, but now we’ve got to prepare, and we’ve got to push them.” 

Getting through the exhaustion of fighting through the season up to this point will be one of the key humps to get over as the Cougars head into the first round of the state tournament, he said. Their first matchup takes the team on a long journey to Tumwater, which they will have to ensure they are both sharp and well rested for. 

The Cougars are feeling excited to be entering the state tournament, but with that comes the unknown, as the boys have not been in the dance for a while, said the coach. Despite this, the fun of taking the team across the state to compete at such a high level will ride high with this team. 

“They’re one of the top teams in the state and should go and enjoy it, but they’re competitors and they want to play and get after it,” said Erdmann. “So do I as a coach so we’re going to go out, do our thing, be who we are, and figure it out.” 

Warden’s basketball team making the state tournament has also been a big deal for the community, which the coach said has been backing this team all season.  

“It’s great for the boys and they’ve earned it,” he said. “They’ve done their job, and well, their job isn’t over, so let’s go get more.” 

The Cougars enter the opening round of the state tournament Friday in Tumwater at 6 p.m., where they will face the number nine seed Adna. 

    Warden senior Eli Cox sinks a free throw.
  

    Cougars senior Hunter Golladay rushes past the Granger defense during a January game.