UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON – Height makes right.
The Bainbridge boys basketball team used their size and blew up North Thurston’s plans to control the game, defeating the Rams 63-29 in the opening round of the 3A state tournament at the Bank of America Arena at Hec Edmundson Pavillion.
Behind a good sized and very vocal Bainbridge cheering section, the Spartans held the Rams to zero points in the first half.
It was the first time since 1963 that a team was held scoreless for a quarter and the first time in state tournament and Hec Edmudson history that a team has been held scoreless for a half.
“A game that starts that way where they’re gonna sit on the ball, you never know what’s going to happen,” head coach Scott Orness said. “Our guys kept great composure and made great decisions on defense. You can’t ask for more.”
North Thurston came out and held onto the ball for minutes at a time, but Bainbridge rotated to perfection to deny any decent looks at the rim.
The Spartans struggled at first due to some nerves, but responded as Steven Gray scored four points in the first five and a half minutes.
Rudy Sharar scored on a fast break layin to round out the scoring.
In the second quarter, Gibler did his thing, as he converted a three point play and kept the Rams off the glass.
“Coby Gibler really stepped up and got us going,” Orness said.
Gray and Davis both hit threes as they scored five points apiece in the period.
North Thurston went 0 for 18 at the half. They didn’t score until 6:42 was left in the third.
Meanwhile, Gibler had nine points in the period as Bainbridge closed it out with 21 points in the third, allowing Orness to send in the subs and rest his starters.
“We’re getting every rebound and every shot was contested,” Spartan forward Austin Wood said. “We were playing good state basketball.”
It went so well for the Spartans that Paxton Kruse came in and connected on all his shots, including two threes, to score 10 points — three more than North Thurston’s leading scorer Will Sharp.
Gibler had 14 points and eight rebounds, while Gray had 14 points and nine rebounds.
Bainbridge outrebounded North Thurston 40-19.
Bainbridge takes on Bellevue tomorrow in a rematch of their 3A Sea-King district semifinal.
Game time is at 9 p.m.
