Ferris creates four-way tie for 1st

In a boys basketball game that had 22 lead changes or ties, it seems fitting, if not inevitable, that Friday’s Ferris-North Central outcome would produce a multiple tie for first place in the Greater Spokane League.

Visiting Ferris handed the Indians their first league loss, 55-51 in a game that turned on long-range marksmanship, including back-to-back 3-point baskets by reserve Erick Cheadle. It left those two teams, plus Central Valley and Gonzaga Prep, tied with a loss apiece.

It could have been a five-way deadlock, save for West Valley’s 59-57 win at Shadle Park that left both tied with Mt. Spokane a game out of the lead.

The Saxons (13-1, 5-1) were behind 40-36 as time wound down in the third quarter. Jace Mattinson, who earlier had missed a layin, hit a buzzer-beating 3-point basket for Ferris. Teammate Jon Clift opened the fourth quarter with his only basket of the game, another 3-point shot, to take the lead.

After NC tied the score at 42, Cheadle made his two shots within a 25-second span, the second a sweet fall-away from the right side for the final lead change of the night.

“I was just wide open and Coach has been telling me for a while that I need to start getting more aggressive,” Cheadle said. “I just thought those were going in.”

Though he said it gave the Saxons confidence they could win, they didn’t display it at the free-throw line, missing eight attempts in the final quarter.

But the Indians (11-2, 5-1) had some untimely turnovers and could get no closer than a point in the game’s final 3 minutes.

“That Cheadle kid was the difference, I think,” said NC coach Jay Webber. “They’re the type of team you have a hard time playing against from behind.”

In the first half there were 13 ties or lead changes and NC led by a point at intermission.

The Indians swatted six Saxons shots in the first half, three by Cody Hauenstein. Still, Ferris’ Brian Hallet was able to get inside for 10 points on his way to 15.

“I haven’t been playing too good lately,” Hallet said. “I hope I’m out of my slump.”

NC went on a little run late in the third quarter, Eric Beal with five successive points. But then the Saxons found the long range.

It didn’t surprise Ferris coach Don Van Lierop that Cheadle made his game-changers.

“Honestly, it was welcome, certainly, but he’s done that before in several games and practice,” Van Lierop said. “His timing was good.”

But the free-throw miscues made things dicey.

“I had three retired coaches before I could get to the locker room ask me about it,” said Van Lierop. “And the guys who shot them so far this year have been pretty good pressure shooters.”

Mattinson, who led the Saxons with 16 points, and Shawn Stockton came through at the end. Beal scored all 13 of his points in the second half.

West Valley 59, Shadle Park 57

Tyler Hobbs took over the game in the fourth quarter for the Eagles (10-3, 4-2), scoring 10 points of his game-high 24, including the game-winner with 2.5 seconds remaining.

WV led 6-0 early, but gave up 22 second-quarter points as the host Highlanders (8-5, 4-2) came roaring back. Anthony Brown, one of four Shadle double-figures scorers, tied the game at 57 with 13.5 seconds remaining.

Central Valley 56, East Valley 31

The host Bears (11-2, 5-1) took advantage EV’s poor shooting and turnovers to gain a share of the GSL lead. Nick Ambrose remained on a tear inside, leading all scorers with 18 during the easy win over the Knights (3-10, 0-6).

Gonzaga Prep 50, Rogers 46

The Bullpups (10-3, 5-1) also moved into first, but it was anything but easy. The feisty host Pirates (5-8, 1-5) outscored the Bullpups 18-3 in the third quarter for a 12-point lead. But G-Prep’s trapping defense caused havoc that turned into a 22-point outburst during the fourth-period comeback. Beau Azadganiain and Ian Parry combined for 29 points.

Cheney 79, University 75 (OT)

The visiting Blackhawks (4-9, 2-4) shocked the Titans (5-9, 2-4) in overtime. Ryan Cornell’s layin with 10 seconds left sent the game to overtime, but Jess Donnerberg’s free-throw shooting made the difference. He was 10 for 10 at the line and teamed with Matt Brunell for 18 free throws in 19 attempts. Sophomore Tyler Olson of U-Hi led all scorers with 21.

Mead 72, Clarkston 44

The Panthers (5-8, 3-3) rolled at home against the Bantams (1-13, 0-6). Desmond Seay had 13 rebounds and 10 assists. Lucas Ashe scored 23.

Mt. Spokane 49, LC 40

Matt Dorr scored 20 as the Wildcats (9-4, 4-2) beat the visiting Tigers (3-10, 2-4) with a 28-16 advantage in the middle quarters.