JOHNSTON – The 15th-ranked Washington girls basketball team came out strong against top-ranked Johnston in a Class 5A regional final, but the Warriors faded in the second half and lost 66-54 Tuesday at Johnston.

The Warriors held their own and led 35-33 at halftime, but Johnston pulled away with a 14-6 run in the third quarter.

Joniqua Clark had 17 points for Washington (15-8). Anne Visser scored 16 points. Jessica Puk grabbed seven rebounds and made four steals.

Taryn Knuth scored 28 points for Johnston (20-3).

WASHINGTON (54): Clark 7 2-2 17, Carey 0 0-0 0, Visser 6 0-0 16, V.Eniola 0 0-0 0, Hoeger 0 0-0 0, Bruner 3 0-0 7, Puk 3 0-0 6, Riley 1 0-0 2, Mia 1 0-0 2, Johnson 2 0-0 4. Totals 23 2-2 54.

JOHNSTON (66): Sieren 3 1-2 8, Wilmes 2 0-0 4, Brown 5 5-6 15, Johnson 5 1-3 11, Knuth 11 6-6 28. Totals 26 13-17 66.

Halftime – Washington 35, Johnston 33. 3-point goals – Washington 6 (Visser 4, Clark, Bruner), Johnston 1 (Sieren).