ABERDEEN — The Peninsula Pirates were still settled down for a long winter’s nap in the first half of their nonleague men’s basketball game against Grays Harbor.
In the second half, they sprang into action, realizing what was the matter.
But it wasn’t quite enough.
Peninsula, playing its first game in two weeks, went on the road and lost to Grays Harbor 81-80 on Sunday.
The Pirates started slow and trailed 48-31 at halftime, but managed to make up 16 points of the 17-point deficit in one of their final tuneups before league play begins Saturday at Edmonds.
Peninsula had four days of practices leading up to Sunday’s game, but coach Mitch Freeman said the Pirates were still adjusting from visiting their respective hometowns for Christmas break.
“It’s always tough to get that competitive fire back,” Freeman said.
“However, I thought we showed competitiveness and heart in the second half. It took a lot out of us to get to that point, and so it was a challenge from there on out.”
Peninsula shot 54 percent from the field in the second half, including 6 of 12 from 3-point range.
Deonte Dixon paced the Pirates with 25 points and tied for the team lead with seven rebounds. He made 4 of 8 treys.
Dixon ranks 12th in the Northwest Athletic Conference in scoring with an average of 19.1 points per game.
Ryley Callaghan scored 16 points Sunday, and Malik Mayeux contributed 12 points and seven boards.
Bryce Demecilio led Grays Harbor with 18 points, while Kodi Leslie finished with 13 and Jacob Rainey scored 12.
The Chokers (2-8) entered Sunday with only one win this season, but they were playing their third game since Christmas.
“Grays harbor was very aggressive,” Freeman said.
“They were ready. I think we got their best game.
“We just spotted them 17 points in the first half.
“I think that opened up our eyes — ‘Hey, we need to pick this up.’ Hopefully that leads to a good practice tomorrow.”
The Pirates (7-6) had Monday off, and will travel to face Pierce (4-9) on Wednesday.
Freeman said the two games will be important for the Pirates as they get ready to start NWAC North Region play.
“We need to make sure to iron out things we have to before league play,” he said.
“We need to get back in the shape we need to be.”
