By NICK SLOAN, NJSloan212@gmail.com
Two years ago, the Washington Wildcats had to overcome an 18-point fourth quarter deficit and survive two grueling overtime periods to knock off the Hogan Prep Rams in the 2010 Citizen's National Bank final.
In 2012, the Wildcats really only needed three good quarters to cement a tournament title.
Washington defeated Leavenworth 62-48 in a game that really wasn't that close to win the program's second Leavenworth tournament crown in the past three years.
Senior forward James Jappa was Washington's MVP of the game and tournament. His 19-point, 17-rebound performance in the final against Leavenworth came off the heels of his 14-point, 14-rebound game against Hogan Prep in round two.
"Jappa's a beast," said Eric King, head coach of the Wildcats. "He worked his butt off this summer. He's always been a good player, but he had to get his weight under control and get into better shape to run."
The Wildcats used a 28-14 rebounding advantage in the first half to quickly establish dominance inside the paint.
Jappa's 14 points led the way for Washington, as the Wildcats clawed to a 41-29 lead. Nine first quarter points by Kameron Allen helped Washington jump out to a 25-16 lead after the first quarter.
