A behind-the-scenes look at a high school basketball team trying to chase a dream
The Camas High School girls basketball team granted Clark County Today with extra access last week in Tacoma when the Papermakers played in the Class 4A state basketball tournament in the Tacoma Dome.
Reporter Paul Valencia recorded moments in practices, at team meals, pre-game and post-game speeches in the locker, and he was there courtside to catch some of the atmosphere as Camas advanced to the state championship game. He also interviewed the players.
This video, edited by Andi Schwartz, documents the team’s journey.
In the end, the Papermakers finished second in 2023. The players are already looking forward to 2024.
This project looks back on three days in Tacoma with the Camas Papermakers … In The Dome.
Also read:
- The Study of Sports Podcast March 13, 2026: We discuss the state basketball tournaments, the incredible run from Columbia River boys, the state placing for Evergreen girls, and moreReporter Paul Valencia and sports administrators Tony Liberatore and Cale Piland discuss a series of subjects around the WIAA’s state basketball tournaments, plus we get into some Mariners baseball talk and NFL free agency/trade cancellations
- Falcon Baseball Academy to host inaugural Extra-Innings Bazaar & Market at Prairie High SchoolPrairie High School’s Falcon Baseball Academy will host its first Extra-Innings Bazaar & Market on May 2, inviting local vendors and community members to support the school’s baseball program and student activities.
- Trophy games: Columbia River boys finish fifth, Evergreen girls take sixth at state tournamentsColumbia River’s boys and Evergreen’s girls both reached the final day of their state basketball tournaments, returning to Vancouver with fifth- and sixth-place trophies.
- High school state basketball: Columbia River suffers heartache in overtime loss in semifinalsColumbia River’s run to the Class 2A semifinals ended on a buzzer-beater in overtime, while Evergreen advanced to a trophy game and several other Clark County teams wrapped up their state tournament seasons.
- Pro basketball: Vancouver Bears set to debut new name in new leagueVancouver’s professional basketball franchise has rebranded as the Vancouver Bears and will open its season in a new league March 7 at Hudson’s Bay High School.






