SPOKANE — Ryan Moss scored 41 points as Neah Bay held off a second-half rally for a 72-63 win against Taholah in the opening round of the boys Class 1B state basketball tournament Thursday at Spokane Arena.
The Red Devils (20-3) advance to face Sunnyside Christian (22-5) in the semifinals today at 3:45 p.m.
Neah Bay is assured of a top-five finish at state, and a victory today would put the team in its second straight state championship final, the Red Devils’ fourth title game appearance in six years.
Moss’ scoring outburst was three points shy of the 1B state tournament record of 44 set by Derek Isaak of Almira/Coulee-Hartline in 2012.
“He stepped up even more than usual,” Red Devils coach Stan Claplanhoo said of his team’s leading scorer on the season. “We had to go to him even more than normal with the two guys, [Jericho McGimpsey and Rwehabura Munyagi Jr.], in foul trouble.”
“And he’s a lefty so that makes him hard to guard.”
His 41 points set a sibling state record, topping the 40 points scored by his sister, Peninsula College sophomore Cierra Moss, in a state tournament win against Taholah in 2014.
Moss shot 13 of 24 from the field in the game, including hitting all five of Neah Bay’s 3-pointers.
The senior also cashed in all 10 of his free-throw attempts.
Nine of his free-throws came in the second half, including four foul shots in the final 1:47 after the Chitwins cut the Red Devils’ lead to 64-60.
“Get the ball to Ryan and let him get fouled and finish this one out,” Claplanhoo said of his team’s late-game strategy.
A made 3-pointer from Brett Orozco made it a one-possession game, 66-63, with 1:25 to play, but layups by Moss and Kenrick Doherty Jr. sealed the win.
Moss added eight rebounds, three assists, two steals and two blocked shots.
Neah Bay needed all of Moss’ points as they faced a stiff test in Taholah and its star sophomore Zach Cain.
Cain knocked down 31 points as the Chitwins nearly avenged an 88-65 early season loss to the Red Devils.
“We knew they were going to be a lot tougher after watching them beat [Evergreen] Lutheran at regionals,” Claplanhoo said.
“Cain was really good for them. He wasn’t on the team the first time we played them.”
Cain hit 11 of his 21 shots, including 7 of 13 3-point attempts.
“He was shooting and hitting from beyond NBA range,” Claplanhoo said.
“We did take away their inside game, but it kinda becomes, ‘How far out do you want to guard the guy in a zone defense?’”
“There’s nothing you can do but play some tight man -to-man on them.”
Munyagi fouled out in the fourth quarter and McGimpsey was knocked out of the game with an injury.
Munyagi finished with six points, six rebounds and five assists.
“Jericho got kneed in the head early in the fourth quarter and with his history, [of concussions] it was better to keep him on the bench,” Claplanhoo said.
“So Anthony [Bitegeko] had to step up and come in, and Cameron Buzzell came off the bench and played tough defense for us.”
After being examined by training staff, McGimpsey was cleared to play in today’s semifinal.
“That was really good news for Jericho and the team,” Claplanhoo said.
“We are thin enough as it is.”
McGimpsey missed the Red Devils’ football semifinal loss to Lummi while recovering from a concussion.
Doherty picked up a double-double, with 13 rebounds and 11 points. He added four assists and two steals.
“Kenrick had a heck of a game rebounding,” Claplanhoo said.
“Everybody played their role and it was a good effort for the team.”
The Red Devils will face Sunnyside Christian, winner of five of the last nine 1B titles, including two championship wins against Neah Bay in 2011 and 2013.
Claplanhoo was able to catch some of the Knights’ 64-56 win against Garfield-Palouse on Thursday.
“They have some height, but they really like to shoot the 3, they like the long ball,” Claplanhoo said.
“We’ll have to draw up a good game plan for them.”
Neah Bay 72, Taholah 63
Neah Bay 13 24 18 17— 72
Taholah 12 15 22 14— 63
Individual scoring
Neah Bay (72)
Moss 41, Doherty 11, McGimpsey 6, Munyagi 6, Buttram 4, Bitegeko 4.
Taholah (63)
Cain 31, Jones 14, Orozco 9, Jackson 6, Anderson 3.
________
Compiled using team reports.
