POULSBO — Port Angeles shook off some early struggles defensively to blister short-handed North Kitsap 67-39 in an Olympic League 2A Division road win Wednesday.
The Roughriders trailed 27-24 at halftime, but switched tactics defensively to pull away.
“Early in the game, North Kitsap caused us numerous problems inside and along the baseline against our 2-3 zone,” Port Angeles coach Michael Poindexter said. “We switched to a man-man defense late in the first quarter, applying full-court pressure most of the rest of the way.
“The Vikings were missing two players, and our pressure took a toll on them due to our greater depth. NK ended up turning over the ball quite a bit in the second half as our pressure wore them down.”
Poindexter said the Riders were able to get in tune on offense after halftime, especially from beyond the arc.
“Our offense was much more effective in the second half,” Poindexter said. “In the first half, we rarely established a good sense of offensive rhythm as a team. In the second half, our ball movement, shot selection and overall cohesiveness was much better.
“We were 2 of 15 for 3-point shots in the first half, 8 of 12 in the second half. In our explosive third quarter, we scored well outside and inside.”
Bailee Larson hit three 3s and Jaida Wood had two from outside in that big third quarter while Eve Burke and Myra Walker combined for eight points and Larson added a layup.
“Although only six players scored for us, all 12 players contributed with solid defense, rebounding and passing,” Poindexter said.
Wood led Port Angeles with 16 points and seven rebounds with Larson and Mikkiah Brady each hitting for 15 points. Larson added five boards from her guard spot and Walker had six points and six rebounds off the bench.
The Riders (2-0, 4-2) host North Mason (2-1, 4-3) tonight.
Port Angeles 67, North Kitsap 39
Port Angeles 15 9 25 18— 67
North Kitsap 17 10 8 4— 39
Port Angeles (67) — Wood 16, Brady 15, Larson 15, Long 9, Burke 6, Walker 6, Brenkman, McGoff, Stensgard, Brown, Petty, Gedelman.
North Kitsap (39) — Barreith 12, Johnson 9, McNair 8, Tucker 4, Ingalsbe 2, Kimmel 2, Reed 2.
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Compiled from team reports. Email scores to sports@peninsuladailynews.com or phone 360-417-3525.
