Rust wasn’t an issue for the Adna boys basketball team on Wednesday in Castle Rock, as the Pirates came out of the gates firing and went on to defeat Mossyrock 64-49 in a 2B District 4 Quarterfinal.
“We started off the game strong, which is always a bit of a concern when you haven’t played in over a week,” Adna coach Luke Salme said. “I’m really proud of our effort tonight … We stacked some great possessions at both ends, and that wins games.”
Adna scored 20 points in the opening frame, but Mossyrock scored 15 of its own to keep pace early. The Vikings had less success keeping up in the second, when the Pirates outscored them 15-4.
Adna built on its lead with another strong offensive frame in the third, and by the time the fourth rolled around, the Pirates led by 21.
Trevin Salme led Adna with 20 points, including three three-pointers, while Jackson Knittle added 15 inside. Beau Miller and Grayson Humphrey scored nine apiece, while Gavan Muller added eight and Kannen Kephart scored three.
Ethan Johnson led Mossyrock with 16, though Shaun Fry wasn’t far behind with 14. Easton Kolb scored seven, Colby Cournyer added six, and Mason Atter and Xavier Gomez combined for six more.
Mossyrock will need to go the long way to clinch a state berth, as the Vikings (5-14) will have to win three straight elimination games to do so. They’ll face Toutle Lake in their first elimination game on Friday in Castle Rock.
Adna (18-4) is just one win away from returning to both the district title game and the state tournament. The Pirates will battle Rainier next Wednesday, Feb. 19, in Kelso in the district semis.
“We’re pumped to move to the right in the bracket and get to play in the district semis,” Luke Salme said. “We’ll have our hands full, but can’t wait for the challenge.”
