ZILLAH -- A memorable year for the Zillah basketball teams inched toward historic Tuesday night.

The Leopards squads, both ranked No. 1 in the VarsityWA state rankings and sitting atop the WIAA’s RPI, capped unbeaten 16-0 runs through the SCAC with victories against Wapato.

It’s the first time the programs both have been unbeaten in conference play since they were 12-0 in the seven-team SCAC West in the 2017-18 season. That year, the Leopards boys finished third at state while the girls were sixth.

BOYS STANDINGS/GIRLS STANDINGS

Zillah’s girls, under first-year coach Joel Yellow Owl, handled the fifth-ranked Wolves 74-40 with Bella Valadez leading the way with 27 points, knocking down seven 3-pointers.

Makenna Klitzke scored 17 points, Angelina Buck had 14 and June Fiander chipped in 10.

Brook Alvarado and Jordyn Bobb each scored 11 points for the Wolves.

The Leopards boys followed with a 91-74 victory against Wapato to remain the lone unbeaten 1A squad.

It’s the seventh time in nine full seasons under coach Mario Mengarelli that Zillah has finished with a spotless record. The Leopards also swept through their conference opponents in the 2021 spring season during the pandemic.

"It's a great day to be a Leopard," Mengarelli said. "It;s a special group of kids and parents. The expectations are very high so that adds a lot of pressure."

Mengarelli’s crew has been quite dominant this season, with all but two victories by 10 (before Tues) or more points, nine 10 by more than 25 points, and were without two-time SCAC MVP Dekker Van De Graaf for several games after the senior hurt his ankle.

Van De Graaf scored 30 on Senior Night, while Jayden Saenz had 14 points and Budda Aranda added 12.

"The growth Dekker has made since his freshman year as a leader has been phenomenal," Mengarelli said. "We almost have to force him to be selfish."

Mathias McConville topped Wapato with 19 points, and Jacob Bobb, AJ Garza and Daunte Van Pelt all had 13 points. 

The Leopards girls also have been rolling, winning all but one game by 10 or more points and 14 by 25 or more. Their losses this season are to defending 4A champion and top-ranked Davis, and Prosser, which wrapped up the CWAC title Tuesday.

Zillah also handed 2A contender Deer Park its lone loss of the season.

Last season each team shared the league championships. Zillah’s boys split regular-season matchups with Royal and tied the Knights atop the standings at 15-1.

Royal would beat the Leopards for the district crown, but the Leopards responded by beating the Knight in the SunDome for third place in the 1A state tournament. Royal finished fifth.

Zillah’s girls and Naches Valley were the co-champions last season, each with a 14-2 conference mark. The Leopards won the district championship and finished fourth at the state tournament.

The boys district tournament begins Monday for the boys and Feb. 12 for the girls. Championships games for both will be Feb. 20.