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Sports Eagles escape early deficit
Eagles escape early deficit
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The Eagles hung on to defeat Nixyaawii 62-50. Bodies hit the floor at an alarming rate — and for the most part officials stuck with the no blood, no foul mentality. “Officials let the teams play a little rougher at state,” Joseph head coach Lance Homan said. “It’s not a bad thing, but it’s definitely an adjustment.” The Eagles knew they were in for elbows, hip checks and a few body slams. These two teams met last year in the opening round of the state playoffs — although this year the whole story line didn’t remain the same. In 2007, Joseph blew by the Golden Eagles 61-37 on its way to the state title game. This year Nixyaawii came in ready to defeat the undefeated giant from Joseph. Nicke Parks opened the scoring in the game, but Mariah Watchman quickly put her team back in front with a 3-point field goal from the left wing. The junior’s basket brought the maroon-and-gold painted faces in the stands to their feet. Nixyaawii rode the momentum to a 16-12 first quarter lead. Then the physical play slowed down and the Golden Eagles struggled to run their offense. A hue of confidence covered the faces of the Joseph girls. And why wouldn’t it? The Eagles took third in 2005 and second last season. Three players — Megan Yost, Colby Patton and Nicke Parks — took the floor in during those playoff runs. Patton and Yost are now seniors, while Parks earned first-team all-state honors in 2007. “You can’t make-up for experience,” Homan said. “These girls have been through these kinds of games before. Now we stay a little calmer in these situations.” Nixyaawii grabbed its largest lead off the game, 20-14, when Watchman came off a screen and drilled a 12-foot jumper. However, the junior found herself in foul trouble as the second quarter wore on. But if she was going down, Watchman was going to take someone with her. Colby Patton picked up four fouls in the first half — the fourth came with 3:51 left before halftime. “That’s completely my fault,” Homan said. “When she had three fouls, I thought she had two.” Joseph’s bench came to the rescue. Anna Bird checked in first, and received advice on the court during the first few minutes. Yost encouraged Bird during time stoppages and while at the free throw line. “We’re a very tight group,” Yost said. “There aren’t any problems off the court between any teammates. That really helps us on the court. We know exactly what to say to help each other out.” Bird hit a 3-pointer during a 15-1 run to close out the first half.
 The Observer/PAUL HARDER Junior Paige Bailey got the ball rolling with two quick transition baskets. Sprinkled in between were baskets by Shelby Harshman and Lena Moro. Both players finished with 10 points. “Those are big points,” Homan said. “(Lena) did a great job coming off the bench tonight and filled in where we needed her. (Shelby) was very active all over the court. That’s the type of play we need to make it past the next game.” The Golden Eagles finished with a flurry in the fourth quarter. Watchman took charge during a 12-2 run that cut the lead to nine points. From the free throw line, baseline or behind the 3-point line, Watchman was making shots. The 5-foot-7-inch guard scored eight points during Nixyaawii’s last gasp. In the end the Joseph posts couldn’t be broken. Parks tallied seven blocks to go along with 16 points and 11 rebounds. Yost finished with 11 points and 13 rebounds. Joseph will face Lowell at 1:30 p.m. Friday in Baker City. The Red Devils knocked off No. 3 ranked Triad 59-41. On the other side of the bracket, it was Southwest Christian 54, Sherman 51; St. Paul 59, Adrian 31.
Ganuelas 1 0-2 2, Kash Kash 2 2-3 6, Watchman 5 5-6 17, Edgmand 1 2-4 4, Whithers 1 2-2 4, Minthom 1 0-0 2, Whiteowl 3 0-0 6, Miller 3 0-0 9, Begay 0 0-0 0. Totals 17 11-17 50. JOSEPH (62) Yost 4 3-4 11, Bailey 3 2-4 8, Patton 2 0-2 4, Parks 5 6-8 16, Harshman 5 0-1 10, Moro 4 2-2 10, Bird 1 0-0 3, Kohlhepp 0 0-0 0, Staigle 0 0-0 0. Totals 24 13-21 62. Nixyaawii 16 5 10 19 – 50 Joseph 12 17 20 13 – 62 3-point goals: Nixyaawii, Watchman 2, Miller 3; Joseph, Bird. |
