LACEY — The Forks boys basketball team kept its perfect record intact, but had to go to overtime to beat a tough Northwest Christian team 81-71.
The Spartans outscored the Wolverines 15-5 in overtime to pull the game out.
“It was back-and-forth. It was a close game all the way,” said coach Rick Gooding.
Gooding said the Spartans found themselves in a little trouble in the second quarter when Trey Baysinger went out with two fouls. With Baysinger on the bench, Northwest Christian was able to take a 30-28 lead into the half.
Leading the Spartans was Riley Pursley, who scored 22 points.
Darrin Horejsi only scored seven points, but five came in overtime, including a crucial 3-pointer in the extra period, Gooding said.
Logan Olson scored 20 and Baysinger had 17. Raymond Davis had 11.
Gooding said Northwest Christian has only been able to play five games all year because of COVID-19 protocols, but that with more game experience, “they’re going to be a tough team.”
Forks (9-0) next plays at Chief Leschi (1-3) on Thursday to wrap up its regular season. The Spartans then begin a 16-team, single-elimination district tournament on June 8, hosting a game at 7:15 p.m.
Forks 81, NW Christian 71, OT
Forks 17 11 22 16 15 — 81
NWC 15 15 17 19 5 — 71
Forks (81) — Pursley 22, Olson 20, Baysinger 17, Davis 11, Horejsi 7, Flores 4.
Neah Bay 81, East Jefferson 38
PORT TOWNSEND — The Neah Bay boys basketball team wrapped up three games in three days with an 81-38 win over East Jefferson on Saturday.
“Our team has settled into a really regular rotation, and the guys have embraced their roles. This is a fun team to be around,” said Neah Bay head coach Kane Bachelor.
With the win, Neah Bay improved to 8-0.
“Our youth had a good game, with Makyah Chambers and Jodell Wimberly — both 8th graders — playing important minutes for us,” Bachelor said. “Our sophomore guards, Jaden Halttunen and Julian Carrick, lead the press and attack the basket.
“And our seniors provide exceptional leadership on and off the court. Malcom Lovik and Tony Martinez give us an edge down low and exhibit championship habits off the court. Jaxson Halttunen is a blur on the court and he sets the tone with his energy. And Aric Lyons, who is a senior that is new to basketball, has embraced his role and chipped in with six points [against East Jefferson],” Bachelor said.
Carrick led Neah Bay with 25 points, while Jaxson Halttunen had 18. East Jefferson was led by Lonnie Kenney, who had 17.
Neah Bay plays at 7 p.m. Wednesday at the Port Angeles JV.
Girls basketball
Clallam Bay 63, Crescent 26
JOYCE — Clallam Bay beat Crescent 63-26 in a Friday night girls basketball game.
Crescent was led by eighth-grader Katelyn Dunavant, who scored nine points. Ciara Cargo-Acosta also had nine points for the Loggers.
We were eighth-grade heavy for our game tonight and just got out-experienced,” said Crescent coach Jonathan Whitehead. “I am proud of the girls for not giving up and playing to the end. They worked their tails off trying to keep up with the senior heavy Bruins, [they] just need more high school experience.”
