BELFAIR — The Port Angeles boys basketball team got great balance and the Roughriders’ veterans got a measure of revenge against North Mason in a 68-52 road win Friday night.
It was the first win of the year for the Riders (1-1) and coach Kevin Ruble.
“I wanted it more for the kids,” Ruble said.
“There was so much improvement between our first game and second game. We still have a lot of work to do,” Ruble said.
The Bulldogs swept the Riders last year in two close, heartbreaking losses, 73-70 and 68-67. Both of those games came down to the final possession. Ruble said some of the players said beforehand they really wanted to get back at North Mason for those losses.
Circumstances didn’t work in Port Angeles’ favor as the team was delayed due to road closures around Belfair. They got to the gym only minutes before the scheduled tip-off.
The Riders started off slowly, falling behind 7-0 in the first couple of minutes. They fought back to get within one point at the the end of the first quarter, down 18-17, then took a 35-34 lead into the halftime break.
In the second half, Port Angeles outscored the Bulldogs 33-16.
“Our guys weathered the storm early. In the second half, they started sharing the ball and taking over shots,” Ruble said. He said the coaches have been stressing passing and sharing the ball, “and the kids bought into that.”
The team had four players in double figures and seven players with at least six points. Brody Pierce led the way with 16 while Ashton Gedelman had 15. Hunter Flores had 12 and Brock Hope 11. John Ruddell scored eight and Daniel Benoit six.
Port Angeles has its home opener at 7 p.m. against Bainbridge (1-0, 2-0). The Spartans won their league opener Friday 68-51 over Olympic.
Port Angeles 68, North Mason 52
PA 17 18 21 12 — 68
NM 18 16 9 7 — 52
Port Angeles (68) — Pierce 16, Gedelman 15, Flores 12, Hope 11, Ruddell 8, Benoit 6.
Crosspoint 75, Crescent 36
SILVERDALE —The Crescent Loggers weren’t able to keep up with Crosspoint in a 75-36 loss.
“[We] ran into a bigger, more experienced team,” said coach Chris Ferrier. “Guys played really hard, [but] our shots weren’t falling and we got significantly out-rebounded. I love coaching these guys. The effort and dedication are always there.”
Ferrier said Logan Harris had a breakout game with 13 points. Liam Sprague led the team with 17.
Crescent (1-2) next plays Quilcene at home Monday.
Crosspoint 75, Crescent 36
Cres. 11 5 6 14 —36
CP 22 17 19 17 — 75
Crescent (36) —J. Sprague 3, Ellis 3, Liam Sprague 17, Harris 13.
