Bullpups close deal

Gonzaga Prep defeated Central Valley 54-47 Tuesday in a Greater Spokane League boys basketball game that was so close the smallest of details made the biggest of differences.

The Bullpups (4-2) either trailed or were tied during much of the game. But they benefited beginning late in the third quarter from timely offensive rebounding by Max Manix. The presence of foul-saddled point guard Michael Stockton in the game’s final 4 minutes proved vital as the team rallied from a 43-40 deficit.

With the outcome still in doubt in the game’s final minute, the host Bears (3-5) couldn’t get the ball into the hands of their senior leaders, abetting G-Prep’s 14-4 closing run.

“I thought we were in control and gave up a couple of key offensive rebounds, mostly to Manix, that kind of got them over the hump,” said CV coach Rick Sloan. “It was a close enough game that an offensive rebound here and there leading to a second shot made the difference.”

The Bears and Bullpups went back and forth through most of the game. The score was tied at the end of the first and third quarters and only a point separated the two teams at halftime. They remained tied at 40 early in the fourth period.

Most of CV’s scoring to that point came from post Nick Ambrose and point guard Kevin Cameron, who combined for 33 of the 40 points.

Beau Azadganian had 18 for G-Prep and Manix pulled down three offensive rebounds and added two baskets as they rallied the Bullpups from a 30-25 third-quarter deficit.

Bears sophomore William Davis drained a 3-pointer following Azadganian’s offensive foul for CV’s last lead with 4:34 left to play.

Stockton, after sitting much of the game because of fouls, returned to assist Michael Alexander’s game-tying 3-pointer and added one himself for a 46-43 lead the Bullpups never relinquished.

“He’s so smart with the ball and kind of settles things down,” said G-Prep coach Mike Haugen of Stockton.

Stockton added two more baskets down the stretch, including an uncontested back-door layin during a sideline out-of-bounds play that made the score 50-45 with 1:25 left.

CV still had a chance, trailing 51-47 with 51 seconds left, but the Bears wasted 20 seconds trying to get a shot off and neither Cameron nor Ambrose touched the ball.

“We didn’t execute down the stretch like we needed to,” Sloan said.

Azadganian and Ambrose each finished with 20 points. Manix had five second-half offensive rebounds.

“We’ve been playing Max more at a guard this year, but played him more inside tonight,” said Haugen. “He operates real well under there.”

The coach said that the win was important, but the emphasis was for the team to make big improvement, particularly on help defense over its previous game, a loss to Mead.

“I think we saw a lot of it (improvement),” Haugen said.

University 57, Mt. Spokane 44: The Titans (2-6) had the tempo their way in the second half, outscoring the visiting Wildcats (3-3) 43-30 in the second half. They had bolted to a 12-2 lead, with every point scored by guard Mason Johnson, but scored only once thereafter and the two teams were tied at half. Johnson finished with 19 points. Nate Martin and Ryan Dixon contributed a combined 22 points and 24 rebounds inside. Kyle Redmon led Mt. Spokane with 17.

Ferris 74, North Central 46: The Saxons (7-0) remained perfect with an easy road win over the Indians (2-5). Four players finished in double figures.

Shadle Park 39, Lewis and Clark 31: Tight defense made for poor shooting, but the host Highlanders (6-1) moved into a share of second place by eking out victory over the Tigers (2-6).

Rogers 54, East Valley 43: Josh Taylor scored all 16 of his points in the fourth quarter to rally the host Pirates (3-4) past the Knights (1-6). Andrew Durant shared Rogers’ scoring honors with a career-high 16.

Girls

G-Prep started hot on the road and the early lead held up for a 53-40 victory at Central Valley.

The Bullpups (3-3) built a 17-5 lead after a quarter and maintained the advantage. The Bears (3-5) came as close as 39-32 in the third period behind Justine Bowman and Alexa Morales, but could get no closer.

Jenna Sayman fueled G-Prep’s hot start with 11 of her game-high 21 points coming in the first half. Tara Cronin scored 10 of her 13 in the second half.

Morales finished with 15 points and Bowman with 13, eight apiece in the second half.

Lewis and Clark 64, Shadle Park 50: A close game got away from the Highlanders (4-3) at home. A turnover-plagued fourth quarter enabled the Tigers (8-0) to outscore their foe 18-8 and remain undefeated. Lyndi Seidensticker made four 3-pointers and finished with 20 points for LC. Lexie Pettersen paced Shadle with 22 points and 10 rebounds.

East Valley 60, Rogers 27: The Knights (4-3) cruised at Rogers against the Pirates (1-6), who were missing three starters. All 12 EV players scored.

University 79, Mt. Spokane 44: Angie Bjorklund scored 31 points, giving her the GSL career record. Her 1,004 total eclipses former CV star Emily Westerberg’s previous mark of 977. The Titans (7-1) made 14 of 19 first-quarter shots to lead 32-6 during a victory over the Wildcats (0-6).

Ferris 54, North Central 37: The visiting Saxons (4-3) took advantage of 32 turnovers to beat the Indians (0-7). NC’s Alicia Kahler led all scorers with 12 points.