BAINBRIDGE — Port Angeles seniors Paige Mason and Izzy Felton converted at the free-throw line in the final moments as the Roughriders fended off Bainbridge 39-35 in a fight for sole control of first place atop the Olympic League girls basketball standings.
Up 28-20 entering the fourth quarter, Port Angeles led by as much as 35-24 after a 7-0 run featuring layups by Teanna Clark, Felton and Lexie Smith and a Felton free throw.
Bainbridge responded with a seven-point run of their own within a 40-second span to pull within 35-31 with 1:21 left.
After a pair of Mason free throws, Bella Ramirez countered with two free throws of her own to keep the Spartans within four.
Ramirez hit a lay-in with 27 seconds left to pull Bainbridge within 37-35.
“Izzy Felton closed out the scoring by hitting two of four free throws after one foul as she as she was bringing the ball up and one intentional foul when she was taken down to the floor before the ball was passed in,” coach Michael Poindexter said.
Fouled frequently, Felton led all scorers with 20 points and had team highs in steals with four and assists with two.
“Izzy was 12-20 from the free throw line, as she was on the floor repeatedly from fouls while she was driving to the basket,” Poindexter said.
Felton’s performance was even more impressive considering the Riders lost sophomore Lindsay Smith to an injury.
“Izzy played 30 minutes in the game and besides her 20-point scoring effort, played outstanding defense at the top of our 1-3-1 [zone], helping hold Bainbridge’s top scorer, Bella Ramirez, to one 3-point make,” Poindexter said.
Bench players also contributed in important ways, Poindexter said.
“Becca Manson and Kennedy Rognlien with outstanding defense and rebounding, Kenzie Moses with a big 3-point shot in the third quarter to maintain our dwindling lead, Tatum Moses with a couple of key steals and Morgan Politika with solid defense at the bottom of our 1-3-1,” Poindexter said.
The Riders (9-1, 11-6) host North Kitsap on Tuesday at 5:15 p.m. with the boys game following at 7 p.m.
Port Angeles 39, Bainbridge 35
Port Angeles 7 13 22 22 — 39
Bainbridge 15 16 11 11 — 35
Port Angeles (39) — Felton 20, Li. Smith 5, Mason 5, Le. Smith 4, K. Moses 3, Clark 2, Politika, Rognlien, Manson, T. Moses.
Bainbridge (35) — Ramirez 16, Greiwe 9, Bounketh 5, Drugge 3, Gardner 1, Rowe 1.
Boys Basketball Forks 57, Ocosta 51
WESTPORT — The Spartans led comfortably after three quarters before the Wildcats cut into the lead against the Forks reserves.
“Decent three quarters, we were up good for most of the game,” coach Keith Weekes said.
“Fourth quarter was mostly reserves and guys that haven’t played up in varsity this year. There were some struggles but I was willing to let them try and fight through it until a change became necessary.”
Brody Lausche led Forks with 13 points, 12 rebounds,including five on the offensive glass, plus a steal and a block.
Dylan Micheau added nine points and led the Spartans with four steals and two blocks.
Forks (7-3, 11-7) hosts Chief Leschi (9-2, 14-4) on Monday.
Forks 57, Ocosta 51
Forks 20 16 13 8 — 57
Ocosta 7 9 12 23 — 51
Forks (57) — Lausche 13, Micheau 9, Davis 7, Olson 6, Lohrengel 6, Hernandez 5, Salazar 5, Rowley 2, Gonzales 2, Terrones 2, Davia, Foster.
