Tigers Still Putting Pieces Together in Second Loss to State Contender

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Taking on its second straight 2B state title contender after a loss to Davenport Wednesday night, the Napavine boys basketball team fell to Brewster Thursday night, 66-50.

The Tigers, who had a late start to their season after a deep football run that ended in a state championship, fell into a quick hole and had to attempt to play catch-up for the second straight night. Despite an effort to come back in the third, when Napavine outscored the Bears, 14-9, the Tigers ran out of gas in the fourth in the loss. 

James Grose again led the way offensively for the Tigers, scoring 25 points on 50% shooting from the field. But a 47-22 rebounding deficit and a 34% shooting percentage as a team ultimately doomed Napavine to its second straight defeat. 

The Bears were led by the scoring of player of the year candidate Kelson Gebbers, who scored 33 points to go along with 11 rebounds. His relative, Cort Gebbers, also notched a double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds. 

With Karsen Denault in foul trouble, playing just 15 minutes and taking one shot with three points, Jarin Prather was next in line for the Tigers in scoring, with eight points. 

The Tigers will look to rebound against another title contender, though in the 1B classification, in Willapa Valley next Tuesday at home.