PREPS: Rider swimmers prep for postseason

POULSBO — The Port Angeles Roughriders boys swim team wrapped up its regular season on a high note Wednesday, securing a commanding 112-71 victory over Kingston in its final dual meet. The Riders posted seven first-place finishes, with standout performances across multiple events.

Eli Warren opened the meet with an impressive achievement, securing a district-qualifying time in the 100-yard breaststroke in 1-minute, 19.38 seconds, marking a strong finish to the season, coach Sally Cole said.

The Roughriders wasted no time setting the tone with Thomas Jones leading the charge in the 200 freestyle, clocking in at 1:59.55 for the first win of the night.

Cole said the Port Angeles dive team put on an impressive performance in sweeping the event.

Grant Butterworth took first place with a score of 130.75, earning his highest marks for an inward one somersault that impressed the judges. Jack Root followed closely, securing second with a 129.2 while Liam Nicholson rounded out the podium in third with 120.5.

In one of the tightest races of the meet, Finn Thompson edged out Kingston by a mere 0.14 seconds in the 100 freestyle, clocking in at 53.25 for another first-place finish.

Jones added to his strong night with a dominant 500 freestyle, finishing in 5:18.16 — a staggering 42 seconds ahead of the competition, Cole said.

The Riders continued their success in the relay events. The 200 freestyle relay team of Nolan Medgin, Thompson, Patrick Ross and Jones surged to victory, finishing nine seconds ahead of Kingston.

Another sweep came in the 100 backstroke, where Thompson claimed first place with a 1:01.33, followed by Jensen Wolfe (1:12.17) in second and Cliff Hales (1:14.83) in third.

The 400 freestyle relay team of Edward Gillespie, Jones, Ross and Thompson sealed the night with a commanding performance, outpacing Kingston by 10 seconds to end the meet on a high note.

With their regular season complete, the Roughriders turn their focus to the upcoming postseason, where they aim to carry the momentum into district competition.

Port Angeles will swim in the West Central District 1A/2A boys swim and dive championships on Feb. 14-15.

Boys Basketball Neah Bay 82, Crescent 35

JOYCE — The Red Devils shot a blistering 12 of 25 on 3-point attempts and 49 percent overall from the floor in running past the Loggers.

Neah Bay’s Tyler Swan led all scorers with 15 points, including three 3-point baskets, six rebounds, two assists and a steal.

Jodell Wimberly also hit three treys and finished with 13 points for the Red Devils (5-0, 15-3).

“Ran into a really hot-shooting Red Devil team,” Crescent coach Chris Ferrier said. “They’re real solid, and we hung with them the best we could.

“We were missing a starter because of a practice injury and our other senior is a little banged up as well. We had 25 turnovers and barely reached double digits in team rebounds. It was a tough night, but some younger guys got to play bigger roles and did some good things. Jax Sprague had a really good game, Liam Sprague flew around and did a lot of good things, and Levi Bourm played the entire 32 with a lot of grit and toughness.”

Crescent (3-2, 9-8) hosts Chief Kitsap for senior night tonight.

Neah Bay 82, Crescent 35

Neah Bay 29 20 13 20 — 69

Crescent 5 10 14 6 — 35

Neah Bay (82) — Swan 15, Wimberly 13, Ray 10, Barton 9, Greene 9, Sawyer 5, Vitalis 4, Chambers 4, Cumming 4, Woodruff 4, Akin 3, Jimmicum 2

Crescent (35) — J. Sprague 11, Le. Bourm 7, L. Sprague 7, Noel 4, Mason 4, H. Bourm 2.

Girls Basketball Neah Bay 69, Crescent 18

JOYCE — Trinity Johnson and Angel Hallttunen each scored 11 points to lead the Red Devils past the Loggers.

Naomi Sprague had nine points to lead Crescent (2-2, 6-8).

Neah Bay (3-0, 16-1) hosts Clallam Bay tonight.

Neah Bay 69, Crescent 18

Neah Bay 25 16 18 10 — 69