Indians prove their mettle

North Central proved that it has what it takes Friday in a tense contest, the outcome of which hinged on contributions by role players.

The Indians (9-1 overall, 2-0 Greater Spokane League) continued to assert themselves by defeating West Valley 50-47 in overtime, nearly a duplication of their basketball win over the Eagles (7-2, 1-1) earlier this year.

The difference was that the second game was on WV’s home court, and the game plan went out the window early when NC point guard Eric Beal picked up three fouls in the game’s first 2 minutes and sat the rest of the half.

But NC adapted and played with assuredness and calm while the host Eagles were tense and not as composed under fire.

Neither Beal nor team scoring leader Damal Neil were on the floor at game’s end. Beal fouled out with 3:56 left in regulation and Neil went out with 1:41 to go in the extra period after putting the team up by three points.

NC starters Nathan Hood and Douglas Swanson held sway and Cody Hauenstein was clutch, both on the boards and when hitting a 3-point basket that tied the game in the fourth quarter.

Off the bench, Nick Rijon scored seven points in the second half after Javier Grigsby took up the slack in the first half.

“I am so proud of what they did today,” said Indians coach Jay Webber of the players who stepped into their place and kept a tight WV contingent at bay. “We didn’t have Eric and Damal on the floor and we’re still a pretty good team without those guys. Yeah, we’re a better team with them, but we can win games without them. There’s proof right here.”

Unlike a spirit game, there were no gimmicks or extra incentives, just the anticipation of championship basketball that lured an animated capacity crowd into WV’s gymnasium.

They weren’t disappointed. Both teams played with extreme intensity on defense and the game was close throughout.

NC contested every inside shot and altered several. The paint was an area Eagles coach Jamie Nilles thought would be their advantage.

A swarming zone defense even made it difficult for WV to shoot from afar, causing both posts and guards alike to hurry. They shot less than 30 percent on their floor and only made 2 of 19 3-pointers.

Though WV’s defense was just as stifling and the game was close, the Indians didn’t panic, even after falling behind 26-19 on a late six-point flurry by the Eagles before half.

The Indians slowly worked their way back from an eight-point, third-quarter deficit, tying the game early in the fourth quarter on a steal by Beal and Hauenstein’s big shot.

“We knew we had to win,” said Hauenstein, who had seven second-half rebounds. “It’s huge for momentum for us starting 2-0, and I came out especially hard because they have E.J. (Richardson) and (Tyler) Hobbs.”

Hobbs tried his best to carry WV and scored 17 points, but he picked up three quick third-quarter fouls and spent nearly 5 minutes on the bench.

Rijon, who said his role off the bench was to provide leadership and try to keep the team calm, hit another 3-pointer for a brief lead.

WV’s Greg Bradley answered for a 43-41 advantage, but in the game’s final 3 minutes WV went 0 for 5 from the free-throw line, had untimely turnovers and missed a couple of layin opportunities at the end of the third and final quarters. With it went a chance to win.

After Neil put NC up, Rijon and Swanson combined for four free throws to clinch it.

“I think depthwise we have some good athletes and can play with a lot of teams,” said Webber. “This is a nice one for us.”

WV players had attributed their first loss against NC to not playing well.

The Indians apparently had something to do with that, given the similar outcome.

“I think their basketball smarts are better than us and role players are better than us,” said Nilles. “On offense we had no flow, no composure, nobody in sync and I don’t know how we get this far and be this seasoned of a team and have that.”

Mead 78, Rogers 57

The Panthers (3-5, 1-1) were hitting on all cylinders as Brendan Ingebritsen scored 17 of his game-high 28 points in the first half for a 43-24 lead. Bren Hanson added a personal-high 12 against the visiting Pirates (4-6, 0-2). Rogers was paced by Scotty Livengood with 18.

Mt. Spokane 42, Clarkston 37

The Wildcats (6-3, 1-1) played strong pressure defense to defeat the host Bantams (1-7, 0-2) after trailing at halftime. Team scoring leader Matt Dorr (16 points) and sophomore Ryan Selland (13) led the Wildcats’ offense. Tyler Hansen and Sean Benier were in double figures for Clarkston.

Central Valley 55, Cheney 48

The win wasn’t easy, but the visiting Bears (8-1, 2-0) got a second-half lift from Nick Ambrose to hold off the Blackhawks (2-7, 0-2). Ambrose scored 11 of his 12 points in the second half and was part of an offensive rebounding advantage after CV led by just a point at intermission. Luke Clift led CV scorers with 13 points and Jess Donnerberg scored 16 for Cheney.

Gonzaga Prep 61, University 56

The Bullpups (6-3, 1-1) swept their season series with the Titans (4-6, 1-1) with a win at home. U-Hi had a chance to tie near the end of the game, but missed a 3-point shot and Houston Stockton made two free throws. Beau Azadganian (15 points) and Michael Johnson (13) led G-Prep’s scoring and Nate Thompson (15) and Ryan Ristau (11) paced the Titans.

Shadle Park 82, East Valley 49

Josh Landsverk hit 8 of 10 shots and had another 22-point night as one of four double-figure scorers for the visiting Highlanders (6-3, 2-0). Freshman Anthony Brown added 16. Mark Sherwood and Zack Humphrey also scored in double figures. Dylan Sattin (15 points) continued to lead the Knights (3-6, 0-2).