Indians earn Groovy win

Time was of the essence and North Central (7-9, 7-8) was trailing rival Shadle Park (3-14, 2-13) during Tuesday night’s annual Groovy Shoes spirit game at the Spokane Arena.

The Indians’ defense rose to the occasion for a 52-46 victory and sweep of the night’s girls and boys basketball game over their rivals.

Gunnar Swagger had a game-high 21 points for NC.

Shadle led NC by one point with just more than a minute remaining. That’s when the Indians forced turnovers on back-to-back possessions and turned them into points for the victory.

Gonzaga Prep 59, Lewis and Clark 53: The GSL second-place Bullpups (14-3, 13-2) got off to a hot start but sweated out the finish at LC. The Tigers (5-12, 5-10) trailed 23-10 after a quarter and by 15 points at half. They outscored G-Prep 17-9 in the final quarter. Parker Kelly and Chris Sarbaugh scored 14 apiece for the victors. Austin Damon scored 13 for LC.

University 69, Mt. Spokane 60: The host Titans (13-4, 12-3) came out firing after intermission to remain third in the GSL. A 25-point third-quarter burst gave them a comfortable 11-point cushion. U-Hi’s Brett Bailey and Zech Martin scored 15 each. Kellen Clute’s 26-point night led the Wildcats (4-13, 2-13).

Ferris 81, Mead 61: The GSL-unbeaten Saxons (16-1, 15-0) unleashed a 32-8 scoring blitz at the outset and coasted against the host Panthers (6-11, 5-10). All Ferris starters were in double figures led by Riley Stockton’s 29. Garrett Swanson scored 32 for Mead.

Central Valley 75, Rogers 68: The visiting Bears (9-8, 8-7) used 19 offensive rebounds and a season-high 28 points by Joseph Guerrinha to outlast the Pirates (6-11, 6-9). Therone Tillett had 17 points and 10 assists for Rogers.