Ferris adjusts to turn back Central Valley

Denied a favorite facet of its offense Tuesday, Ferris’ boys basketball players focused differently in order to remain undefeated.

Unable to run, the Saxons (11-0, 3-0) parlayed patience and defense into a 43-29 victory at Central Valley in an early Greater Spokane League showdown between league contenders

The Bears (8-2, 2-1) were also unbeaten in league entering the game and, by taking away Ferris’ fast break, held the team to 20 less than its season average.

But CV could only manage 24 percent shooting at home to Ferris’ 47 percent and was outrebounded 30-16 in suffering the low-scoring setback.

“The big thing is we played good enough defense to win,” said CV coach Rick Sloan. “We’ve just got to find more ways to score.”

Ferris found enough ways to the basket even though scoring leader Jon Clift sat most of the second period. Jace Mattinson and Brian Hallett also saw significant pine time, all of them committing two first-half fouls.

Regardless, Mattinson provided a first-half offensive spark with two big 3-pointers in the second quarter as Ferris led by as much as 17-9.

Sophomore Shawn Stockton had a big second half in helping the Saxons put the game away.

“When Mattinson came in we lost him in the second quarter a couple of times and he buried a couple of 3s that gave them comfort,” said Sloan. “Second-half putbacks at key times allowed them to maintain the lead.”

Ferris scored the final eight points of the third quarter for a 32-20 lead and were never seriously challenged thereafter.

“We like to run, but we can also slow it down,” said Clift. “Our defense picked it up in the second half. Also, our rebounding helped out.”

The Saxons held CV scoreless until 1 minute, 23 seconds remained in the first quarter and led 6-0 on two Clift baskets, but were tied at 8 at period’s end after he went to the bench.

In the second quarter, the Bears fell behind by as many as eight points.

But in the final 3:10, fueled by Nick Ambrose, they scored eight points to trail just 20-17 at intermission.

Included was a Luke Clift layin with 3 seconds left after stripping Stockton of the ball.

“I think, getting picked there at the half, he didn’t like it,” said Ferris coach Don Van Lierop.

Stockton responded by scoring 11 of his 15 game-high points in the second half, including 7 of 7 from the free-throw line as Ferris pulled away.

“I think we did a better job of knowing where Ambrose was in the second half,” said Van Lierop. “We had some key guys sitting longer than we’d like and were still able to get it done because we got contributions from lots of guys.”

Among those he noted were substitutes Nate Watkins for his rebounding and Eric Cheadle for his solid play.

“He’s always in the right spot,” said Van Lierop of Cheadle. “Coaches appreciate guys like that.”

The game at CV was the start of a difficult two weeks for the Saxons.

They face, in succession, Gonzaga Prep, West Valley and North Central, the latter two on the road.

“All our next games are going to be physical and playoff-atmosphere games,” said Clift. “We’ve got to get used to it.”

Shadle Park 54, Lewis and Clark 53

Two free throws by Josh Landsverk with 1.3 seconds remaining helped the Highlanders (7-3, 3-0) avoid an upset at home.

The Tigers (2-8, 1-2) had gone in front 53-52 with 5 seconds left on Andre Jennings’ layup and 20th point.

Landsverk, who finished with 23 points and 13 rebounds, was fouled in the act of shooting in a game that was close throughout.

There were numerous lead changes, including Leo Avila’s 3-pointer that put Shadle ahead prior to Jennings’ score.

North Central 58, Mt. Spokane 48

Despite a career-high 26 points by Matt Dorr, the Wildcats (6-4, 1-2) couldn’t hold off the visiting Indians (10-1, 3-0).

The teams were tied at 26 at half before NC gained momentum. Eric Beal had eight fourth-quarter points during NC’s big second half.

Damal Neil finished with 18 points and also had 12 rebounds.

Cheney 52, Clarkston 32

The visiting Blackhawks (3-7, 1-2), with a 12-point free-throw advantage, won the league counter in their rematch with the Bantams (1-8, 0-3). A 16-6 second quarter put them ahead by 10 points and they added to the lead. Matt Brunnell and Jess Donnerberg combined for 30 points.

Gonzaga Prep 68, Mead 58

The host Panthers (3-6, 1-2) trailed by just four points with 2 minutes left. But Beau Azadganian and Travis Walker helped the Bullpups (7-3, 2-1) pull away. The two teams had raced through the first half, G-Prep up 37-36. Brendan Ingebritsen scored 25 for Mead.

Rogers 67, East Valley 45

Scotty Livengood, with 26 points for Rogers, and Dylan Sattin, with 28 for EV, engaged in a shootout. But Rogers’ 47 rebounds and EV’s 15 turnovers swayed the outcome. The Pirates (5-5, 1-2) outscored the visiting Knights (3-7, 0-3) 20-6 in the first quarter.

West Valley 84, University 40

Stung by last week’s overtime loss to NC, the Eagles (8-2, 2-1) took it out on the host Titans (4-7, 1-2). They shot 64 percent from the floor. Tyler Hobbs scored 22 points and had 14 rebounds. E.J. Richardson contributed 17 points and 11 rebounds as WV had its way inside.