Mead squeezes out win over University
Mead boys basketball players must enjoy keeping followers on the edge of their seats.
It took a massive second-half rally Friday to produce their 61-57 Greater Spokane League victory over visiting University.
The second-place Panthers (5-1) trailed most of the game against the winless Titans (0-6) and were down by 15 points with 4 minutes, 47 seconds remaining in the third quarter.
They then went on a turnover-induced 22-7 tear to lead 53-50. Still, it took a basket by Lucas Ashe with 11 seconds remaining to break a 57-all tie and the last of that series of point-producing, second-half turnovers to assure the win.
“We knew it would be a ‘valley’ game after we had the ‘mountaintop’ experience against our rival (Mt. Spokane) on Tuesday,” said Mead coach Glenn Williams. “You can warn kids all you want about a letdown, but if they don’t come out focused …”
Whatever it was, the Titans were on fire in the first half of a wild, up-tempo game and led by 12 points at intermission. James Seely and Trevor Wakem each scored 10 points, including three 3-pointers between them by intermission. Post Nate Martin added eight.
Then Ashe got hot and Mead’s pressure took its toll. He had all 15 of his points in the second half in joining high scorer Brendan Ingebritsen, who finished with 27 points, in fueling the rally.
Down 43-28, the Panthers took their three-point lead by midway through the final quarter, including back-to-back baskets following steals, and held on.
Mason Johnson led U-Hi with 17 points and Seely had a career-high 13, including three 3-pointers.
“They have had more guys make 3-point baskets than any team we’ve played so far, so we knew they’d be dangerous” said Williams. “That’s an athletic, talented team. I’m pleased. We’re showing a lot more togetherness. We’ve really stressed losing yourself in the team and they’ve made a commitment to do that.”
Lewis and Clark 68, North Central 52: Leading by six points after three quarters, the host Tigers (2-4) pulled away in the final period. Skylar Kliewer scored 24 points, 19 in the second half and had 11 rebounds. He was 9 for 12 from the field in the up-tempo game. Nick Hardrick added 14 points. Nick Rijon scored 22 to lead the Indians (2-3).
Mt. Spokane 44, Central Valley 37: In a game typical for the Wildcats (3-2), they ground out a victory over the Bears (2-4) with an 18-9 fourth-quarter finish. The teams were tied after three quarters and CV scored first in the fourth period. Ryan Selland (14 points) and Kyle Redmon (12) had eight rebounds apiece for Mt. Spokane.
Gonzaga Prep 62, East Valley 49: The Knights (1-4) fell victim to their poor start at home, trailing 10-0 in the first quarter, as the three-pronged offense by Michael Stockton, Max Manix and Beau Azadganian fueled the Bullpups (3-1). Stockton scored 17, Manix 16 and Azadganian 13 for the victors.
Shadle Park 55, Rogers 48: The visiting Highlanders (4-1) built a nine-point, first-half lead and staved off a comeback attempt by the Pirates (2-3). Zack Humphrey scored 21 points, including a deep, halftime buzzer-beating 3-pointer that put Rogers in a hole at Shaw Middle School. Teammate Anthony Brown added 17 points for Shadle. Scotty Livengood and Josh Taylor each scored 17 points to pace Rogers, which closed to within four points in the second half.