In the recent prep basketball match in the Twin Harbors, Ocosta secured a narrow victory over North Beach in a thrilling game that was undecided until the final minute.
The Wildcats (2-4 overall, 1-3 2B Pacific) and Hyaks (0-4, 0-2) engaged in a closely-fought match, with the outcome hanging in the balance until the very end. Ocosta’s 47-46 win over North Beach demonstrated their resilience and determination.
The Wildcats and Hyaks traded baskets tirelessly throughout the first half. Ocosta’s Tarren Lewis scored 10 points early in the game before being sidelined due to foul trouble. Meanwhile, North Beach’s Jeremiah Eastman led the charge for the Hyaks with 11 points, including three 3-pointers.
The game was tied at 25 going into the second half. The Hyaks then managed to take a seven-point lead, but Ocosta mounted a comeback, reducing the deficit to just two points at the end of the third quarter.
In the final quarter, Ocosta’s Kayden Turner hit a crucial 3-pointer, putting the Wildcats ahead by four points. As the game entered its closing moments, North Beach’s Tyrrell Curry successfully converted a free throw, cutting Ocosta’s lead to just one point with only 11 seconds remaining.
In a heart-stopping finale, Ocosta missed a layup in the dying seconds, giving North Beach one last chance to snatch the win. However, a desperate 25-foot shot failed to find its mark, securing a nail-biting victory for the Wildcats.
Ocosta’s head coach Jason Quinby described the game as a “typical North Beach-Ocosta dogfight”, emphasizing the resilience his team showed in the face of adversity. Despite committing 22 turnovers, the Wildcats found their rhythm in the final minutes of the game, ultimately clinching the win.
Junior guard, Jade Charley was the standout performer for North Beach, contributing 19 points, closely followed by Eastman with 11. Ocosta’s victory was propelled by Lewis with 16 points, supported by Agramon and freshman Michael Priest, who each contributed 10 points to the team’s cause. Lewis also showcased his prowess on the defensive end, tallying eight rebounds and five steals.
Looking ahead, North Beach is scheduled to host Chief Leschi, while Ocosta will face off against Willapa Valley. Both teams are gearing up for another round of thrilling basketball action in the coming week.
In other games, Raymond suffered a 69-43 loss to Ilwaco, while Hoquiam went down 66-53 against Lake Roosevelt. Meanwhile, Aberdeen emerged victorious with a 78-53 win over Centralia in the girls’ prep basketball category.
The latest high school basketball matches have undoubtedly provided fans with edge-of-the-seat entertainment, solidifying the reputation of the young talents on display. With each game, the competition intensifies, promising more exhilarating matchups as the season unfolds.