LYNDEN — The town of Lynden was quiet on the first snowy day of 2025. It wasn’t because everyone was at home staying warm. Instead, the entire town packed the Lynden and Lynden Christian high school gymnasiums for the annual crosstown matchups between the girls and boys basketball teams Saturday, Feb. 1.
“We are fortunate to have this game once a year,” Lynden girls coach Rob Adams said. “I’ve been on the losing and winning end and it doesn’t matter. We told the ladies, ‘be where your feet are at because it’s rare to play in front of 2,000 people.’ I don’t think it happens anywhere else in the state except once a year in this town.”
Lynden boys vs. Lynden Christian
Lynden won its 19th straight game to remain undefeated on the season as the Lions completed a 65-56 victory over visiting Lynden Christian on Saturday night.
It’s my favorite game of the year,” said Lynden forward Brant Heppner, who had a team-high 17 points. “Lynden Christian is a great team and will go on a deep run. It’s super fun to come here and pull out a win for the community.”
The Lions started the game with an 8-0 run in the first five minutes. Lynden Christian struggled in a physical game against the larger Lions. However, Gannon Dykstra broke the streak with a layup. He finished the first quarter with a 3-point buzzer-beater to cut Lynden’s lead to 18-12. Dykstra finished with a game-high 27 points and Dawson Hintz added 20 points for the Lyncs.
Gallery: Lynden tops LC to remain unbeaten
Lynden extended its lead to 39-23 at halftime as Spencer Adams nailed a couple of 3-pointers and Malachie Koenen had nine points in the quarter.
“We have some shooters and if you sag off, we will make you pay for that,” Heppner said. “Other guys stepped up huge and were ready for the moment.”
Dykstra and Hiltz were responsible for all of the Lyncs’ points until Kaden Veldman made a layup with two minutes left in the third quarter. By that time, Koenen, Heppner and Adams extended Lynden’s lead to 53-40 after three quarters.
Although Lynden had a large lead throughout the game, Lynden Christian continued to fight back.
“The second half we got a little loose,” Heppner said. “We sped up a bit and let them back into it. Overall, we made them work for all 32 minutes.”
With a minute left, Lynden’s lead dwindled to 61-56. After a handful of steals and baskets from Hintz and Dykstra, the Lyncs were on the verge of tying the game. But a few reckless possessions forced the Lyncs to start fouling Lynden. Once the fouls occurred, the Lyncs struggled to climb back.
Lynden (19-0) will travel to Anacortes at 7:15 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 4. Lynden Christian (17-2) will host Lakewood at 7:15 p.m. Tuesday.
Lynden girls vs. Lynden Christian Girls
The Lions (19-0) and Lyncs (16-3) entered the game as each of the top teams in the 2A and 1A classifications, respectively. The defending 2A state champion Lions were too much to handle, taking a 60-35 victory at Lynden Christian High.
“LC presents a unique problem because they spread the floor, play fluid and play fast,” Adams said. “We talked to the girls to run them off the line and be prepared to stop the basketball. Our girls did a tremendous job eliminating the wide-open 3s.”
Lynden Christian took an early 6-5 in the first two minutes, Lyncs Ella Fritts scored a couple of layups and assisted Allison Shumate for another layup. Lynden’s role players took over shortly after as Kiki York made a couple of free throws, a layup and forced Fritts into a couple of turnovers.
“We were staying on our toes and ready to take (Fritts) away, deny everything and play hard,” York said. “It also feels good to know that I can be a scorer for my team and make my shots instead of just being a defensive player.”
York led the Lions with a team-high 15 points and followed with three rebounds and a pair of assists.
York gave the Lions a 33-21 lead at halftime after scoring nine points in the second quarter, including a turnaround buzzer-beating 3-pointer. Lynden also forced a handful of steals and a block to extend the lead.
In addition, Lexie Hermanutz tallied eight steals and two blocks for the Lions. In the third quarter, Fritts had a hot start with four consecutive points to go with a Schumate layup. She led the Lyncs with 12 points. But the Lions still held a 46-33 lead.
Lynden finished the game on a 14-2 run in the fourth quarter. LC’s Ellie Pierce made the opening basket of the quarter then the Lions followed up by extending their lead until the final whistle.
“It’s nice because they got us my freshman and sophomore year,” York said. “It feels nice to finally get them.”
Adams praised the performance of Melanie Anderson, who didn’t play her junior year but turned out for her final season of high school.
“She averages about three minutes per game,” Adams said. “ Tonight, she played about 15 minutes and played lights out defensively. Reese Nyhoff did an amazing job too.”
Lynden will host Anacortes at 7:15 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 4. Lynden Christian will travel to Lakewood at 7:15 p.m. Tuesday.
Nick Zeller-Singh is CDN's sports reporter; reach him at nickzellersingh@cascadiadaily.com; 360-922-3090 ext. 104.
