Defending Class 1A girls state champion Freeman returned to the SunDome for a repeat performance Saturday, overcoming a much bigger Lynden Christian squad in the title game 49-32.

Lynden Christian put two six-footers on the court to start the game, but Freeman's speed and athleticism consistently befuddled the Lyncs, who mustered up only three first-quarter points.

"When our girls play defense, they are the toughest kids," Freeman coach Ashlee Nimri said. "Defensively is where we have always been very consistent."

One of Lynden Christian's six-footers, junior Jasmine Hommes, finished the regular season averaging just over 20 points per game. The key to the game for either side, Hommes struggled to get anything going all game long, held to just six points on 2 for 14 shooting while being swarmed by double teams every time she touched the ball.

"We always front the post," Freeman senior MacKenzie Taylor said. "We always have backside help. We knew that would help and they wouldn't force the ball in. I think we did a pretty good job of that."

Freeman stormed out to a 10-3 lead after the first quarter, then pushed the lead to 25-14 at the half by holding the Lyncs to just 22.2 percent shooting.

The lead increased to start the second half, at one point extended to 20 points nearing the end of the third quarter. Lynden Christian rallied in the fourth, coming within 12 points before Freeman ended the game on an 8-3 run.

Taylor, who was also named the media-selected tournament MVP, finished with 13 points and 10 rebounds.

"Being the only senior and to go out with a win like this feels pretty good," Taylor said. "(The MVP) just makes it even more special right now. Coming out here and working as hard as you can, and knowing that it actually pays off, it's an amazing feeling to have."

Nimri, who is Taylor's older sister, echoed the sentiment.

"I'm very proud of her, she deserves it," Nimri said. "We're somewhat living through them."