Panthers rally late to win

Max Hess scored a career high 20 points and Brandon Pettersen sealed the game with a defensive rebound followed by two crucial free throws in the final seconds as host Mead upset Gonzaga Prep 57-53 in a Greater Spokane League boys basketball thriller Tuesday.

Mead (3-2 overall, 2-1 league) outscored the Bullpups (2-2, 2-2) 9-0 the final 2 minutes, 49 seconds.

Ryan Alexander gave G-Prep a 53-48 lead when he hit a 3-pointer. But the Bullpups wouldn’t score again.

The Bullpups worked the shot clock down to 6 seconds when the Panthers’ Mitchell Banaugh forced a critical turnover, and he fed the ball to Hess who converted a layup and drew the foul. Hess hit the free throw to complete the three-point play to put Mead up by two. On the ensuing Bullpup possession, Brendan McClary’s layin attempt rolled off the rim and was hauled in by Petterson. Thomas Kautzman supported Hess and Pettersen with 13 points.

Alexander led the Bullpups with 14 points and McClary had 11.

Central Valley 66, Rogers 50: The visiting Bears (4-0) rolled to a 37-18 lead by halftime. Adam Chamberlain and Justin Fayant led CV with 14 points apiece. Robert Rucker led Rogers (0-5, 0-4) with 16.

Ferris 67, Lewis and Clark 50: The visiting Saxons (4-0) rallied in the second half, outscoring the Tigers (1-5, 0-4) 35-14. Cody Benzel led Ferris with 23 points and Jensen Rye added 15. Connor Hojnacki led LC with 15.

University 53, Mt. Spokane 41: Michael Isotalo and Ben Kuipers combined for 27 points to lead the visiting Titans (3-1, 3-1) past the Wildcats (3-2, 2-2). Isotalo had 14 and Kuipers 13. U-Hi held Mt. Spokane’s usually prolific scorer, Stu Stiles, to seven. Jacob Krantz led the Wildcats with 10.

Shadle Park 67, North Central 42: The Highlanders (2-2, 2-1) opened a 23-5 lead in the first quarter and never looked back against the visiting Indians (0-6, 0-4). George Pilimai led Shadle with 16 points, Skyler Kelley had 14 and Alvin Welch added 12. Noah Higley led NC with 14 and Marcus Saugen added 12.