By Oly Archibald
PORT ANGELES — The high school basketball 2nd season has arrived as teams prep themselves for the final push to Yakima. One of the biggest 2A boys games in the state tips off at Port Angeles High School tonight at 5:00.
The #4 seed Roughriders, who finished 2nd in the Olympic League (11-3; 15-6), take on the Sammamish Red Hawks, the #5 seed who finished in 2nd place in the King Co League 8-2 15-7.
These two teams played in a classic back on November 29th in Port Angeles. The Roughriders down by 14 points in the 3rd quarter took the lead with 2 minutes left and held on to win 68-67.
In that game, Isaiah Shamp was unstoppable with 29 points. Parker Nickerson hit for 17 and Gus Halberg scored 11 points. The Roughriders started the game in a man-to-man defense and the speed of Red Hawk point guard Rankin “The Show” Showki made the Roughriders pay dearly. Gus Halberg got 2 quick fouls trying to keep Rankin out of the paint. The Roughriders turned the game around in the 3rd quarter when they went to a 1-3-1 defense that completely confused the Red Hawks. The 6’0″ sophomore Showki averages 18 points per game and is not the pure shooter of Bremerton’s Jalen Davis but is one of the top Sophomores in the state at getting the ball to the paint and to the rim on the dribble drive.
The Red Hawks and Roughriders each average 68 points per game. The Red Hawks have four starters that average in double figures. The Red Hawks have a talented big man on the low blocks in 6’8″ junior Barry Morrissette who averages 11 points per game. Guard Anthony Boddie has quickness and a solid jump shot and averages 10 points per game. Keith Kariuki is a high-flying 6’3 senior who is tough on the low blocks who averages 11 points per game.
All eyes will be on point guards Rankin “The Show” Showki of Renton and Gus Halberg of Port Angeles.
This will be a high-flying road show full of big plays and on the edge-of-your-seat excitement. The winner qualifies for the “Sweet 16” regional and will be at least a top 4 seed. Unfortunately, the winner also gets the winner of #1 ranked North Kitsap – #8 seed Foss Thursday night at Silas High School with the tip off at 7:45 in a Semifinal game. The loser will host the winner of the #13 seed Highline – #12 Steilacoom winner in a loser out game. You can hear the live action tonight on KONP Newsradio. The Les Schwab Tire pre-game show starts at 4:45 with the tip off at 5:00.
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The Sequim Wolves, the #11 seed (5-9; 10-10) will be big favorites at home against #14 seed Evergreen 2-8 9-12. Evergreen was the 4th place team in the King Co League. The winner will have a tough game Thursday night traveling on the road to the loser of the #3 seed – #6 seed Franklin Pierce game.
The Stevens Stampeder girls basketball teams finished their seasons on winning notes.
The 8th graders completed a undefeated season beating Chimacum 35-9. Sariah Doherty led the way with 8 points. Madison Smith hit for 6 points. London Bourland also scored 6 points and is an all-around solid player. Storey Schmidt and Lillian Mahanley both scored 4 points. Catherine Chance, Clara Berry and Madeline Walton each had 2 points. Walton is another Stampeder that is a great passer and fundamentally sound. Elvira Tinoco Wheeler had 1 point.
The 7th graders dominated Chimacum 22-4.
Point guard Darcy Ring ran the show and led Stevens with 8 points. Backcourt buddy Nyah Langdon was all over the court and scored 6 points.
Layla Parker scored 4 points, Kya Baker and Alice Shields scored 2 points. Allison Leitz pulled down 9 rebounds and had 2 steals.