Defense dominated.

The Washington girls basketball team used an intense full-court press and a stifling half-court defense to limit Clinton to only nine field goals and ran away with a 75-27 Class 4A regional semifinal victory at Washington Saturday night.

Washington (14-7) will play Iowa City City High on Tuesday at 7 p.m. at Kennedy High School in a regional final. The winner advances to the state tournament.

Washington Coach Frank Howell said the Warriors executed their game plan to perfection.

“We had three points of emphasis tonight: ball pressure, front their post, and be sure to have back side help, and it worked to perfection,” Howell said.

Larissa Brewer was the Clinton post player who drew all the attention in the half court.  Brewer and Jordan Nelson each managed nine points and shared the scoring honors for the River Queens (9-14).

Abby Herb led a balanced Warrior attack with 18 points.  Aggressive in the lane, Herb got several key offensive put backs and caught up to a lot of loose balls.

“It’s a mind set,” said Herb. “Be aggressive, create loose ball opportunities, and hustle after every ball.  I would be disappointed in myself if I didn’t do that.”

Tasha Roundtree triggered the Washington fast break.  She clearly ran an offense that was calculated and intent on forcing the ball.  Roundtree ended up with eight points, while Kelli Klaus and Colby Bjornsen came in off the bench to contribute nine and eight points, respectively.

“If they run the floor and spot up, I’ll see them and I’ll hit them,” said Roundtree.  “I love that run and gun game.  It seems to get us all involved.”

“We made an effort to make sure all our kids were engaged this week, and our bench players just did a tremendous job in practice helping us to prepare for tonight’s game.  Their effort paid off in team success and they got valuable playing time that provided point support,” said Howell.

“Now we have to prepare for City High.  They beat us in overtime in Iowa City in our only meeting this year.  It should be a great game.”

CLINTON (27): Wenzel 1 1-2 3, Nelson 2 3-4 9, Horner 0 0-0 0, Barsema 0 1-2 1, Brewer 4 1-4 9, Davis 1 0-0 3, Rutenbeck 0 0-0 0, Ackerman 1 0-1 2, Schimerowski0 0-0 0, Shovlain 0 0-1 0, Mumm 0 0-0 0, Coppess 0 0-0 0. Totals 9 6-14 27.

WASHINGTON (75): Herb 6 5-6 18, Kramer 1 0-0 2, Royster 3 1-2 7, Roundtree 4 0-0 8, Franklin 3 0-0 7, Foreman 0 0-0 0, Klause 3 3-4 9, Hobbs 1 0-0 2, Bjornsen 3 2-2 8,  Goodlove 0 0-1 0, Stone 2 0-1 5, Gonder 1 0-0 2, Glenski 2 0-0 6, Runge 0 1-2 1, Detweiler 0 0-0 0. Totals 29 12-18 75.

Halftime - Washington 40, Clinton 12. 3-point goals - Clinton 3 (Nelson 2, Davis 1), Washington 5 (Herb1, Franklin 1, Stone 1, Glenski 2). Fouled out - Brewer.