LAKEWOOD — The Port Angeles boys basketball team lost some games this year at the buzzer.
This time, the Roughriders decided it was time to win a game at the buzzer, staying alive in the District 3 tournament.
Cruising in the fourth quarter with a 16-point lead early in the fourth quarter at 51-35, the Roughriders nearly suffered another heartbreaking loss. Clover Park roared back on the Roughriders on a 22-6 run to make it intersting at the end, tying the game at 57-57 with under a minute left to play.
The Riders scored at the buzzer as Keatyn Hoch missed on a potential game-winning shot, but Hunter Flores was right there in perfect position to get the rebound and the putback bucket to win 59-57 with 0:00 on the clock.
Coach Kasey Ulin called it “poetic justice: for a team that had lost so many heartbreakers this season.
“What a great moment for Hunter,” Ulin said. “I’m so excited for our team. They had so many chances this year they could have folded, but they’re back at practice the next day with a great attitude and awesome work ethic. I don’t know if I’ve ever been prouder of a team.”
Port Angeles (11-13) will now play its rival Sequim (17-4) at 5 p.m. Saturday at Foss High School, with the winner going to the state tournament. Sequim ended up in the third-place game by losing 51-38 to Franklin Pierce. That game can be viewed online at the NFHS Network with commentary.
Sequim has beaten Port Angeles twice this year, but both games were close in the fourth quarter.
The Riders actually got off to a slow start, falling behind 10-o to start the game. Port Angeles roared back with a dominating second quarter, outscoring the Timberwolves 19-5 to take a 29-20 lead into the break.
Gus Halberg, who finished with 26 points, had nine points in that second quarter. Brock Hope scored seven points in the third quarter as the Riders held a double-digit lead the entire quarter. Flores ended the quarter with a 3-pointer.
Port Angeles scored six straight points to open up the fourth quarter and seemed in good shape with six minutes to play with a 16-point lead. But the Timberwolves started hitting clutch shot after clutch shot.
Alex Angevine made what seemed like a game-sealing play with a steal and a layup to make it 57-51 with 1:51 left, but the referees called a technical foul on Angevine, which Clover Park converted into four quick points on two free throws and a basket. Clover Park scored another quick bucket to set up Flores’ play at the buzzer.
Hope finished with nine points, while Hoch had eight and Angevine and Flores five each.
Port Angeles 59, Clover Park 57
PA 10 19 16 14 — 59
CP 15 5 15 22 — 57
Port Angeles (59) — Halberg 26, Hope 9, Hoch 8, Angevine 5, Flores 5, Miller 4, Sohlberg 2.
