PORT TOWNSEND — Clutch free throws down the stretch, crisp passing and a strong fan base kept the Port Townsend boys basketball season alive.
A meaningless 3-point basket from near half court with 2.8 seconds left made the score seem a lot closer than the game was at the end as the Redskins beat Blaine 43-42 in the 1A Tri-District loser-out game Tuesday night.
“We let him take the shot because we were four points ahead,” Port Townsend coach Tom Webster said about the half-court Hail Mary shot.
Will O’Brien, Paul Spaltenstein and Brian LeMaster all netted crucial free throws in the final minutes and the Port Townsend defense kept the Borderites in check.
“We played pretty good defense throughout the game, I thought,” Webster said.
In addition, the Redskins (9-13) had strong passing from Cody Russell, LeMaster and Jacob King throughout the game, the coach added.
“We moved the ball well,” Webster said.
Blaine (8-14) took an early five-point lead but key 3-point shots by Spaltenstein, O’Brien and Russell rallied the Redskins.
“Each hit a 3 and that gave us a big lift against their zone,” Webster said.
But the biggest lift of the night came from the packed gym, according to Webster.
“Our community came out to support us,” he said. “That really helped us get the win.
“Our fans and our girls basketball team were there to support us.
“Maybe we can keep this thing going.”
The No. 9-seeded Redskins now take on eighth-seeded Mount Baker today in another loser-out game at Mountlake Terrace High School. The game starts at 4:30 p.m.
Today’s winner moves on to play No. 4-seeded Cascade Christian in a loser-out, winner-to-regionals game Saturday at Lynnwood High School.
“There are some tough teams over there,” Webster said about the Tri-District tournament.
“We need to play better over there to keep going.”
The Redskins need to improve on their 5 of 14 free-throw shooting against Blaine to keep advancing, Webster said.
Against Blaine, Spaltenstein sparked the Redskins with 14 points while Russell swished in 12 and LeMaster had eight.
Port Townsend 43, Blaine 42
Blaine 11 5 13 13— 42
Port Townsend 7 9 16 11— 43
Individual scoring
Blaine (42)
Vector 18, Trump 16, Westbrook 8.
Port Townsend (43)
Spaltenstein 14, Russell 12, LeMaster 8, O’Brien 4, Coppenrath 3, Charlton 2.
Girls Basketball
Muckleshoot 54, Quilcene 20
QUILCENE — The Rangers concluded their season with the loss to Muckleshoot last week.
“Our effort against Muckleshoot was not a good reflection of our team’s talents and abilities,” Quilcene coach Briana Weller said.
“I had hoped the girls would finish strong in their last game of the season, and for whatever reason we just didn’t get a solid team effort.
“Even though we did not have a good showing against Muckleshoot, I am proud of the girls and their many accomplishments this season.
“We have begun to chisel out a solid program and now have a focused group of girls who want to play basketball and be competitive.
“We were by far the youngest team in our 1B Sea-Tac League this year with three freshmen and four 8th graders.
“We did win four games this season and have to be proud of that.”
Overall, the Rangers were 4-16 on the season, 2-16 in league play.
“I am so proud of these girls and their accomplishments this year as players and individuals.
“Our program here at Quilcene will provide the Lady Rangers with open gyms this summer and opportunities for a basketball camp.
“These girls want to improve and are willing to put in the time and effort. I am thrilled and will do everything I can to help these girls be successful in and out of the gym.”
