PORT ANGELES — The Peninsula College men’s basketball team showcased speed, quickness and shooting ability in its 87-83 victory over the Blue Angels.
The team also showed lapses of focus on defense that led to multiple Blue Angel comebacks and turned a 14-point bulge with 4:03 left into just a two-point advantage with under 30 seconds to play.
Point guard Mitrell Clark and shooting guard Thad Vinson led the Pirates with 20 points each.
The Blue Angels were led by former University of Washington player Paul Richards with 28 points, and boasted a roster of former college players.
Those players included two former Peninsula College Pirates, including last year’s leading scorer — Ryan Rutherford — and former point guard Tony Burk.
Rutherford swished the nets for 16 points while Burk drilled 13 points.
The Pirates started the game quickly and gained an early 14-6 lead with Vinson scoring six points during the start.
Peninsula extended its lead to 14 twice in the first half, only to struggle with its transition defense and allow the Blue Angels to bring the lead back three.
The Pirates finished the half with a flurry, scoring six points in the final 45 seconds to secure a 45-36 lead at the break.
“We showed flashes of what we can be, and also showed how far we have to go,” head coach Lance Von Vogt said.
“It is great to have this experience and we will grow from it. Our focus now is preparing for the Red Devil Classic.”
Power forward Deshaun Freeman played only the first half due to muscle tightness but still contributed 11 points while point guard Sammeon Waller contributed 11 points and six assists.
The Pirates’ season opener is in Longview against Red Devil Classic host Lower Columbia College on Friday at 8 p.m.