Prep tops another unbeaten

Sound defense coupled with a pair of inspired second-half individual efforts spurred Gonzaga Prep past a Greater Spokane League boys basketball unbeaten for the second time in four days.

After beating Ferris on the road last Friday, the Bullpups (9-3, 4-1) edged Shadle Park 55-52 Tuesday at home to knock the Highlanders (8-4, 4-1) from a share of first place with North Central.

The game was close throughout and turned on a blocking foul called on Josh Landsverk with 13 seconds remaining.

Landsverk, the Highlanders’ burly 6-foot-7 post, was a load inside and was joined by Mark Sherwood, whose ample contributions helped give Shadle a 25-23 halftime lead.

It was a half when normal offensive stalwarts Michael Johnson, season scoring leader for the Bullpups, and Zack Humphrey of the Highlanders came up missing in action.

Johnson scored one basket, while Shadle’s second-leading scorer was shut out.

But in the second half, Johnson exploded for 12 points, and Houston Stockton made key contributions down the stretch, to weather Shadle’s long-range production.

“It seemed like I couldn’t buy a basket all game,” said Johnson of his inability to hit consistently from outside. “So I tried to get to the hole a little.”

He did that, but also made a 3-point basket during the third quarter when G-Prep led by as many as seven points.

Neither team led by more than four points in the first half, each taking turns at runs of six or more points. Landsverk scored 10 points and Sherwood nine, including the half’s only 3-point shot.

After Johnson fueled G-Prep’s 32-25 third-quarter lead, Humphrey got untracked, scoring a dozen second-half points. His first 3-point basket cut the lead to 34-32.

Both he and Sherwood hit from beyond the arc in the fourth quarter, Humphrey’s with 25 seconds remaining to cut the lead to 51-50.

But Landsverk, after a G-Prep free throw, was called for the illegal block near midcourt 12 seconds later, and Johnson made two from the line for a 54-50 margin. It was enough for the win.

“I didn’t think we played as well as we could,” G-Prep coach Mike Haugen said. “But it was one of those hard-fought battles. Give Shadle credit that we didn’t execute offensively as well as we’re able.”

He also singled out point guard Stockton, who backed Johnson’s 14 points with a dozen of his own, getting himself to the free throw for four points in the final quarter.

“That’s two really nice games in a row for him,” Haugen said.

Three Highlanders finished in double figures, led by Landsverk and Sherwood with 14 apiece.

When asked about the foul call on Landsverk, Shadle coach Tim Gaebe said, “That’s the way it goes. We didn’t execute very well and I suppose you’ve got to give Gonzaga credit for that. We had our chances but just didn’t make enough of them.”

With 2 seconds left in the game, Humphrey hit two free throws and intentionally missed the third to give Shadle one last chance at victory.

Teammate Trevar Hall landed awkwardly going for the rebound and injured his neck. After a long delay, he was treated by emergency medical technicians and taken to the hospital for observation.

Ferris 58, West Valley 52

After losing badly at home to the Bullpups last Friday, the Saxons (12-1, 4-1) rebounded in the night’s other big game, at West Valley (9-3, 3-2).

With his team trailing by six points at intermission, Jon Clift took over the game by scoring 19 of his 21 points in the second half. Eleven of those came in the 16-7 fourth quarter.

During that period Ferris made 10 of 13 free throws and the Eagles were 0 for 5. They were just 9 for 22 in the game.

Central Valley 61, Mead 54

The Bears (10-2, 4-1) made it a four-way, second-place tie behind GSL leader NC with their road win over the Panthers (4-8, 2-3). Nick Ambrose was huge in the paint, scoring 20 points. With CV holding a small lead with a minute left, Brad Dieter hit two 3-pointers down the stretch to seal it for the Bears.

Mt. Spokane 48, Rogers 46

Calvin McManus scored the winning basket with 23 seconds remaining as the host Wildcats (8-4, 3-2) held off the Pirates (1-4, 5-7). Rogers missed three shots at a tie in the waning seconds. Mt. Spokane’s Matt Dorr was 10 for 10 at the free-throw line en route to 19 points.

Lewis and Clark 73, EV 67 (OT)

Ahead 33-21 at half, the Knights (3-9, 0-5) let the visiting Tigers (3-9, 2-3) back in the game with 13 second-half turnovers and then fell in overtime. Skyler Kliewer had a season-high 21 points for LC. Dylan Sattin and Josh Peck combined for 38 of EV’s points.

University 51, Clarkston 40

A 25-point fourth quarter, 11 at the free-throw line, lifted the visiting Titans (5-8, 2-3) past the Bantams (1-11, 0-5). Clint Moquist scored all 10 of his points in the fourth quarter. Mike Pierce led U-Hi with 14.

North Central 65, Cheney 47

Damal Neil made all nine of his field-goal attempts and finished with 20 points as the Indians (11-1, 5-0) won easily on the road. Eric Beal and Cody Hauenstein were also in double figures against the Blackhawks (3-9, 1-4).