PUYALLUP — If Onalaska coach Dennis Bower would have been asked back in early December if his Logger team was headed to regionals, he would have been inclined to disagree.
The Logger team that faced Auburn Adventist on Saturday, however, was not exactly the same squad that took the floor at the start of the season.
Although the Falcons won the regional contest, 54-46, Bower still felt a great amount of pride with the grittiness of this year's Onalaska boys roster.
"I've never had a group that has improved this much over the course of the season," Bower said. "I've never been prouder of a team."
The Loggers went down fighting, behind senior Trenton Neilson's 19 points in the final game of his prep career. As the only player on the roster with significant state experience, Bower commented on Neilson's leadership and invaluable contributions to the Loggers.
"Trenton has been carrying us all year and has been an amazing leader, especially late in the season," Bower said. "We're really going to miss his presence."
Jacob Modica added 12 points and Evan Wrzesinski — in his first and final game of the season, due to a torn ACL injury — scored 8 points for Onalaska. Stone Whitney was cited for a great defensive performance, leading the Loggers with six rebounds.
A full court press from the Falcons slowed Onalaska down early on, preventing the Loggers from establishing a rhythm. Despite what Bower called great defensive pressure from Onalaska, Falcon senior Gabe Chaikin was able to carve up the defense for 28 points and four rebounds on the night. Charlie Fletcher chipped in 14 points for Auburn Adventist.
"Their quickness really bothered us at every position," Bower said. "They're pretty tough to keep in front, especially with Chaikin. Ironically, this is the exact same team that we beat last year to go to state. They are tournament tested, but I thought we were right there. We had our opportunities and it was a nail-biter all the way, we just couldn't score enough points."
The Loggers graduate Neilson, Jake White, and Riley Girt from the squad this season, three boys that Bower noted each brought something special to the group.
Onalaska ended the season with an 11-16 overall record. At times throughout the season, the Loggers struggled, even falling into a five-game losing streak at one point. The team, however, made a remarkable run in the postseason, upsetting Ocosta twice and ending Adna's season with an upset victory. The dedication of this year's team is something that Bower said he won't forget.
"I am so proud of these kids," Bower said. "They could have easily thrown in the towel early on, but they kept their nose to the grindstone and came to work every day. I think they left a legacy for any other groups who come along and may struggle to persevere."
Bears Knock Out Vikings Down the Stretch
WENATCHEE — The Vikings were able to keep the Bears' leading scorer Josh Hammons in check, but other key players on the Brewster squad were able to step up and overpower the Vikings as Brewster eliminated Mossyrock in a 66-55 victory in 2B regional boys basketball action here on Saturday.
Jaron Kirkley led the Vikings with 21 points and six rebounds, while Danny Nelson added 14 points. Seniors Bryant Bowman and Logan Gootgeld had 7 points and 6 points, respectively, in their final games. Mossyrock shot 24 of 46 (52 percent) from the field.
While the Vikings held Hammons to just 5 points on the night, they had no answer for 6-foot-4, 220-pound Chance Williams, who led all scorers with 22 points and nabbed 11 boards in the process.
"We ran into trouble with Williams," Mossyrock coach Kelly Ross said. "He has great footwork and he uses his body well. We didn't really have the size and strength to combat that at all."
Brewster shot 23 of 46 (50 percent) from the floor, and 17 of 22 from the charity stripe.
Junior guard Timbo Taylor, usually a 60 percent free throw shooter, went 12 of 15 from the line, making a large portion in the last minute and a half of the ballgame.
"We stuck pretty well with our game-plan throughout the game," Ross said. "Unfortunately, we just didn't do what we needed to with a minute and a half left to stay in the ballgame. Brewster is a strong team and they are just impressive."
The Vikings ended their season with a 14-13 overall record and graduated Bowman, Gootgeld, Mac Marasco, and Brett Callies.
"It was a fun year and I've had some awesome kids," Ross said. "I'm going to miss the seniors. They all came in and worked hard for me every day."
For Ross, in his first year of coaching, ending the season with three straight losses doesn't sit well in his mind.
"That left a bad taste in my mouth," Ross said. "Those were all games I felt like we could have won. I just have to focus on the next season and work on what I can do to improve as a coach."
