PORT ANGELES — Up 15 points in the third quarter against undefeated Renton, Port Angeles couldn’t get stops down the stretch against the Class 2A RPI No. 3 Redhawks in a 68-59 boys basketball loss Saturday.
“For the first 22 minutes, it was the best basketball we’ve played all year,” coach Kasey Ulin said of the nonleague matchup.
“We executed the game plan well, we were active, our rotations were sharp, and we wanted to make them run their half-court offense and score in the half court. We were able to not allow them to get fast-break points and we controlled the tempo.”
Up 52-37 with two minutes to go in the third, Port Angeles was looking to shut the door on Renton.
“That was a big momentum shift,” Ulin said. “We had a chance to put the game away with another good two-minute stretch, but we had a couple of turnovers and they were able to get some offensive rebounds and some second-chance points at the other end.
“Renton is a really good team, they are athletic, well-coached and there’s a reason why they are undefeated.”
Port Angeles lost post Isaiah Shamp to an ankle injury in the fourth quarter and Renton attacked offensively.
“We had 10 turnovers in the second half and it led to 10 fastbreak points,” Ulin said “Our guys battled and gave everything they had.”
Shamp had 23 points to lead the Riders and his presence was missed on both ends against a Redhawks team with two 6-foot-7 starters.
“Parker Nickerson made a great drive to go up one point with three minutes to go, but we gave up too many extra opportunities on the glass and we couldn’t get stops down the stretch,” Ulin said.
Nickerson finished with 22 points.
Ulin said senior Ezra Townsend and sophomore Gus Halberg were important in the game..
“Ezra came in off the bench and played his best high school game,” Ulin said.
“Gus was great. He came in and ran the offense extremely well.”
Ulin said the game showed what the Riders are capable of when connected.
“Obviously, we wanted to get the win, but we showed we can play with anybody in the state. I’m really proud of the team. The commitment and growth shown by this team has been phenomenal.”
Renton 68, Port Angeles 59
Renton 15 9 17 27— 68
Port Angeles 18 17 17 7— 59
Port Angeles (59) — Shamp 23, Nickerson 22, Dunning 5, Townsend 4, Hunter 3, Halberg 2.
Neah Bay 89, Tulalip Heritage 59
NEAH BAY — Tyler Swan and Buddy Aguirre led the Red Devils to a blowout of the Hawks at home Saturday.
Swan posted a game-high 24 points to go along with eight rebounds and three steals.
Aguirre added a double-double with 21 points, 12 boards, three assists, three steals and a block.
Jodell Wimberly hit for 15 points, three rebounds and two blocks, and Jaden Halttunen went for 15 points, eight rebounds, three steals and two assists.
Neah Bay (2-0, 7-4) visits Class 2B Chief Leschi tonight.
Keith Thorpe/Peninsula Daily News Port Angeles’ Parker Nickerson center, looks past the defense of Renton’s Ajayi Simmons, right, as teammate Ezra Townsend looks on from behind during Saturday’s game in Port Angeles.
Keith Thorpe/Peninsula Daily News Port Angeles’ Kason Albaugh, right, advances the ball as Renton’s Jordan Agosto tries to slow him down on Saturday in Port Angeles.
Keith Thorpe/Peninsula Daily News Port Angeles’ Parker Nickerson, right passes the ball as Renton’s Jordan Agosto looks on during Saturday’s game in Port Angeles.
