In a showdown between two defending CBBN league champions, Kamiakin let their play -- not their preseason ranking -- do the talking in a 52-43 nonleague victory against Chiawana on Saturday in Pasco.

The Braves started the game on a 9-0 run, and that proved to be the difference in the end.

"They did exactly what we told the girls they were going to do, pressure us and attack the basket. They started the game like the No. 2 team in the state," said Riverhawks coach Steve Davis. "They came ready to play."

Kamiakin guard Courtney Nelson led all scorers with 21 points, hitting all three of her shots from 3-point range, but it was defense that paced the Braves' effort.

"We've been focusing on defense, telling them our offense will come," Kamiakin coach Tammy Hutchison said. "We basically matched up the same type of athletes. Defense wins championships. I think in the long run that will pay off."

The Riverhawks scrapped back in it after trailing 30-18 at halftime, outscoring the Braves 16-12 in the third quarter. Sadie Sparks led Chiawana with 17 points and Delaney Hodgins chipped in 11.

Khadidja Toure was a rock for Kamiakin, collecting 11 points, nine rebounds and six steals while her sister, Sira, scored 12 points.

"I was proud of them for working the ball around and trying to get a high-percentage shot," said Hutchison. "We run a lot of 4-and-1, 5-and-out, drive and dish. Just helping each other out."

KAMIAKIN -- Courtney Nelson 21, Roueche 3, Oord 2, S.Toure 12, K.Toure 11, K.Nelson 1, Schauble 2. Totals 20-46 7-10 52

CHIAWANA -- Cartwright 2, Perez 6, Hodgins 11, Sadie Sparks 17, Gonzales 2, Loving 5. Totals 18-57 1-5 43.

Kamiakin 16 14 12 10 -- 52

Chiawana 7 11 16 9 -- 43

Highlights -- Khadidja 6 steals, 9 rebounds; C.Nelson 8 rebs; Sadie Sparks 10 rebs (7 offensive).