Rams toppled by University
February 21, 2012 by YH-R Sports
West Valley eliminated by 3rd-ranked Titans||
SPOKANE, Wash. — After giving the state’s third-ranked team a good run for a half, West Valley’s boys finally succumbed down the stretch in a 66-47 loss at University in a Class 3A regional play-in, loser-out game Tuesday night.
The Rams trailed U-Hi 29-23 at the break, but the Titans pulled away with an 18-11 third frame on their home floor.
Austin Strock scored 17 points and Jason Dresker made a pair of 3-pointers for West Valley, which finished 14-9.
The Rams did well defending University of San Diego recruit Brett Bailey, holding the 6-foot-5 guard to six points. But Jared Miller, who averaged seven points in the regular season, broke loose for 25 points and hit five 3-pointers. Teammate Zech Martin added 15 points for the Titans, whose only losses this season have been to 4A teams.
“They have really good depth and size and they have eight seniors,” said WV coach Jon Kinloch. “We executed a good plan, holding Bailey to six. But the Miller kid had quite a game.”
In a single-elimination regional round at Richland on Friday, University (18-4) will play Kennewick (19-4) at 6 p.m. and top-ranked Kamiakin (21-1) will play Foss (17-7) at 8.
In Tuesday’s other play-in game, Kennewick’s Bryce Leavitt scored 29 points and made 13 of 14 free throws to lead the Lions to an 89-84 win over Shadle Park.
WEST VALLEY — Peake 9, Cluff 4, Wallace 2, Pettingill 0, Dresker 8, Austin Strock 17, Gilliam 7, Juarez 0.
UNIVERSITY — Smith 0, Jared Miller 25, Flynn 0, Bruce 7, Carrieres 0, Bailey 6, Johnson 9, Zech Martin 15, McDonald 4.
West Valley 13 10 11 13 — 47
University 15 14 18 19 — 66
Highlights: Miller (U) 5 3p.
Filed under All, Basketball (Boys), West Valley
