PORT ANGELES — Port Angeles is preparing to run with the upper half of a rugged Olympic League 2A Division that features the No. 1-ranked Class 2A boys basketball team in the state.
Neah Bay is a rebuilding 1B team and are looking to improve with two seniors on the roster.
The two team’s separate tracks were on display in the Roughriders’ 81-24 win Wednesday night.
Neah Bay’s Julian Carrick drives Port Angeles defenders during the first half of Port Angeles’ 81-24 win on Wednesday night. (Jesse Major/Peninsula Daily News)
Port Angeles rolled out to a 27-5 lead after one quarter, which grew to 46-10 at the half as the Riders took advantage of their deep bench, making sure to get everyone playing time.
As a result, four Port Angeles players scored in double figures and 11 players total got in the scorebook.
The Riders also showed some pretty passing all game long, none better than a two-on-one fast break down the floor by John Vaara and Xander Maestas in which the ball never once touched the floor, leading to a layup.
Port Angeles coach Kasey Ulin said 11 players scoring is not going to be a fluke and that opponents can expect the Riders to come at them in waves all season with a very deep bench. Ulin said the team has a goal of getting five players in double figures each game and it could be five different players every game.
“We preach team first,” Ulin said. “We had 25 assists. This is what will make us difficult to guard. We have a little more depth than we’ve had before. They have bought into the team-first attitude.”
Port Angeles’ Dru Clark looks for a shot during the first half against Neah Bay Wednesday. (Jesse Major/Peninsula Daily News)
Ulin praised his team’s unselfishness with its passing. When asked if any Riders especially stood out, he said, “Tonight, it was the team.
“It just shows how close this group is. Trust is contagious. They fight for each other. They’re a pleasure to coach,” Ulin said.
For Neah Bay, coach Kane Bachelor said it was a great experience to play Port Angeles.
“We’re a young team trying to focus on fundamentals. I’m proud of them, they showed effort through the whole game,’ said Red Devils coach Kane Bachelor.
Bachelor also praised his team’s maturity in not getting down during a rough loss to a good 2A squad.
“We understand we need to get better, they’re not hanging their heads.”
The Red Devils were led by Captain Claplanhoo with 10 points. Bachelor cited Claplanhoo’s effort all game.
“He was looking to score every time,” he said.
The Red Devils’ Jaxon Halttunen also scored nine points.
Ulin also praised Neah Bay’s effort.
“Neah Bay played last night [against Forks]. They’re playing up against bigger schools,” he said.
Port Angeles was led by Damen Ringgold’s 13 points. Dru Clark scored 12, Maestas and Brady Nickerson each scored 11 and Wyatt Dunning scored eight.
Port Angeles (1-1), the defending Olympic League 2A Division champion, begins league play with a road game at Kingston (0-1, 0-3) at 7 p.m. tonight. The Riders’ next home game is next Wednesday against No. 1-ranked North Kitsap.
Neah Bay (0-5) will next play the Nathan Hale JV squad in Seattle at 1:30 p.m. Saturday.
Port Angeles 81, Neah Bay 24
Neah Bay 5 5 8 6— 24
Port Angeles 27 19 22 13— 81
Neah Bay (24) — Virtalis 1, Carrick 2, Halttunen 9, Shaw 2, Claplanhoo 10.
Port Angeles (81) — Ringgold 13, Clark 12, Maestas 11, Nickerson 11, Dunning 8, Vaara 6, Methner 5, Johnson 5, Hughes 4, Jarnigan 4, Kathol 2.
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Sports Editor Pierre LaBossiere can be contacted at 360-417-3525 or plabossiere@peninsuladailynews.com.
