Humphrey’s long-range shots lead Shadle

TACOMA – When Zack Humphrey is feeling it, it’s wise to put the ball in his hands.

It certainly was the case in Shadle Park’s first game at the State 4A boys basketball tournament Wednesday morning.

Humphrey made five first-half 3-pointers to calm the Highlanders’ early jitters and fuel a 67-43 waltz past Mountain View.

The victory advances Shadle (22-4) to today’s quarterfinals against Decatur (21-6) in the Tacoma Dome. The Gators from Federal Way outlasted Snohomish 49-39 in the tournament opener.

Humphrey had four of his 3-pointers in the first quarter. He and Anthony Brown helped steady the Highlanders during a back-and-forth first quarter that included numerous missed shots, including layins.

Humphrey’s last two 3-pointers of the quarter came in the final 50 seconds, including a 30-foot buzzer-beater to break a 13-all tie and start Shadle on a 15-0 run that put the game away.

“I was thinking we were nervous a little bit, but I felt we had control of the game,” said Shadle coach Tim Gaebe. “Zack’s shooting definitely caused the separation.”

Humphrey’s final 3-pointer was a no-look turnaround from the left baseline. He was fouled on the make and added the free throw for the 28-13 lead.

“If it’s there, take it,” said Humphrey, no stranger to long-range and acrobatic shots. “I’m used to it. I’ll shoot from anywhere.”

He finished with 18 points in the half and 24 for the game. Brown added 10 of his 12 points in the first half.

Although surrendering the final seven points of the half, Shadle still led 35-24.

“That’s happened time and time again throughout the year,” Gaebe said.

The Highlanders scored the final seven points of the third quarter, the last four by sophomore Luke Jordan, and the final 11 of the game for the easy win.

Only five players scored for the Thunder (17-9) and the Vancouver team took no free throws.

Five sophomores for Shadle were on the floor together late in the third quarter. One, Aaron Dunn, was just 1 for 9 after three quarters before making his final three baskets, but he had 13 rebounds.

Today’s challenger, Decatur, has a three-pronged attack including Darious Walker, who scored 27 points against Snohomish.