Pirates Finish Unbeaten at Jack Q. Pearson Classic

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After defeating Ilwaco the night before, the 2B No. 6 Adna boys basketball team’s defense stiffened once again when it needed to in a 59-44 win over 1B No. 2 Willapa Valley at the Jack Q. Pearson Classic in Menlo Friday night. 

The Pirates shot 44.7% from the field on offense, and got out to a lead thanks to a strong defensive quarter in the second frame, and held on from there. 

Adna held the Vikings to just 27.8% shooting from the floor, and just six points in the second quarter to hang on for the road win. 

“I am really proud of the way we competed for four quarters,” Pirates coach Luke Salme said. “Valley is a very tough and scrappy group, so you better be ready to battle for 32 minutes, which we did.”

Adna starter Clayton Loose sparked the team in the first quarter, knocking down three treys from distance to give the Pirates an early advantage. Loose finished with 11 points. 

Braeden Salme added a team-high 16 points, and Eli Smith (15) and Seth Meister (12) also scored in double figures for Adna. 

The Vikings were led by Wil Clements’ 16 points. 

For his efforts, Braeden Salme was named tournament MVP, while Meister and Loose made the all-tournament team. 

The Pirates take on Napavine in a return to league play on the road Thursday after the New Year.