Highline’s Erik Anderson tries to save the ball from going over the half court line. PLEASE CLICK THE IMAGE ABOVE FOR MORE.
The Highline Pirate’s boys’ basketball team visited the Evergreen Wolverines for a Seamount Conference game Friday night with Evergreen prevailing, 56-38. The teams came into the game with almost opposite conference record -- Evergreen had a record of 9-2, while Highline was 1-9.
From the start both teams looked good, running their plays, getting good shots, rebounding and playing tough defense. At the end of the first quarter the Wolverines led by four points. In the second quarter things were much the same with Evergreen still leading by only four points, 25-21.
The second half is when things came undone for Highline as Evergreen’s coach Tony White had his team playing more aggressive. It was almost like two different games. They put on a full court press that caused havoc for Highline which caused turnovers and easy baskets for Evergreen. Highline just wasn’t able to figure it out as they passed the ball from side to side, getting double teamed, and having problems advancing the ball up court.
“We started out solid the first half. We’ve been talking about putting a quality game together which involves taking 32 minutes and playing the entire time”, said Highline’s first year coach Shane Stenesen. “We’ve yet to do that this season.”
At the end of the third quarter Evergreen had a 16-point lead to which they never looked back. Highline’s bad shot selection led to easy transition buckets for Evergreen. They were getting out on the break and Highline just didn’t get back to stop them. Highline was outscored in the second half, 31-17, leading to a final score of 56-38.
When asked which players stood out Highline’s coach Stenesen replied, “Erik Anderson always puts out his strong effort. Marcus Dolan played extremely well, especially in the first half getting to the basket. On the inside Rob Rink is our anchor and Brelin Kalauli came off the bench and played some good minutes.”
The leading scorers for the game were Evergreen’s Tuan Le with 15 and Mikel Abraha 10. For Highline, Marcus Dolan led all scorers with 17 while Erik Anderson chipped in 11.
