The Washington High School Scholar Bowl team hosted the MSHSAA Class 6 District 2 Tournament on Saturday, April 17. Joining Washington were Francis Howell, Francis Howell Central, Marquette and Parkway South.
Washington captured the district championship by defeating Francis Howell Central in the finals, 460-21.
Team members were Kyle Meyer, Samantha Doepker (second place All-District scoring medal), Katlynn Miller, Grace Nuckolls, Cameron Schenkel and Vincent Hoang (seventh place All-District scoring medal).
In the morning, the teams drew random seeds for a total of three preliminary games. Due to a school being unable to field a complete team, some schools had a bye game, which counted as a win. The top four teams were seeded in a single-elimination semifinals and finals.
In round 1, Washington raced out early and never really let Eureka into the match, starting the morning 1-0. In round 2, WHS led Parkway South through most of the game, taking 10 of the first 15 tossups. In MSHSAA games, however, if you miss a bonus part, the other team has a chance to steal, which Parkway South took advantage of. Parkway South grabbed the last five tossups and raced off with the 390-300 win.
At 1-1, Washington faced a slog of a match against Francis Howell, and while it wasn't pretty, they pulled out a win, just barely reaching 200 points. Parkway South was beaten badly by Francis Howell Central, and Eureka had the bye.
Folllowing prelims:
1. Francis Howell Central (3-0)
2. Washington (2-1, highest points-per-game average)
3. Parkway South (2-1)
4. Eureka (2-1)
5. Francis Howell (0-3)
Washington, coached by David Dennis, faced Parkway South in the semifinals. After the final cycle, the score stood 320-310 in favor Washington, but there was a question on where it was claimed Washington should not have gotten the points, and that Parkway South should have had the chance to steal. After a very long deliberation, that protest was upheld. The score was tied, and a bonus part was read to Parkway South, which they couldn't convert, sending the game into overtime.
Overtime in MSHSAA follows a sudden death format. Parkway South buzzed very early and missed. Washington waited to the end of the question. Samantha Doepker buzzed in and pulled the answer to give Washington the win, 311-310.
Washington faced Howell Central in the finals. WHS Washington found a groove early - taking nine of the first 10 tossups, and led by 200 at the half. WHS went on the run away with the district title, 460-210.
A total of 96 teams statewide heard the same packet of questions, and Washington had the highest point total in Class 6, and had the second highest total of any team in Missouri.
As winners of an even-numbered district, WHS next travels to the winner of District 1, Oakville High School, on April 27, to play one game. The winner of that game will be in the state semifinals at MSHSAA Headquarters on May 8.
District Champions
The Washington High School Scholar Bowl team won the MSHSAA Class 6 District 2 championship on Saturday, April 17. From left are Kyle Meyer, Samantha Doepker (2nd place All-District scoring medal), Katlynn Miller, Grace Nuckolls, Cameron Schenkel, and Vincent Hoang (7th place All-District scoring medal).