Civil War IV Preview: R.A. Long and Mark Morris to square off in State quarterfinals

Historic Meeting – The 153rd Civil War will be the first ever at the State Tournament

Mark Morris senior Drew Ibarretta daps up his teammates during introductions prior to a 69-59 win over Sequim in the 2A State Tournament, Wednesday, March 5, at the Yakima SunDome. The Monarchs will play R.A. Long in the quarterfinals on Thursday afternoon in Yakima. — Dylan Wilhelm special to Blast Zone Media

Jordan Nailon / blastzonenews@gmail.com

YAKIMA — There will be a team from Longview in the 2A boys basketball State Tournament semifinals. And in a few hours we will all know who that’s going to be.

But until the Lumberjacks and Monarchs have at it for the fourth time this season and set their paths forward in the bracket here’s what we do know.

The Civil War series will add a new wrinkle on Thursday when R.A. Long and Mark Morris square off for the first time ever in state tournament play. That’s right, after 152 previous meetings, none have been beyond the District championship round. Until now.

“This is the first time we’ve ever played against each other over here on this stage, so that will be fun,” Mark Morris coach Ken Kelly said after his No.8 ranked Monarchs came from behind, twice, to defeat Sequim in the Round-of-12 on Wednesday in Yakima. “I think we’re both looking forward to it. I think it will be an enjoyable time for us and for the city (of Longview).”

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