Boys barely lose opener on free throws

The Entiat Tigers defeated the Raiders 59-57 in the Lake Roosevelt boys’ rhythmless opener, but the game was even closer than the score, one where mistakes make or break the other team’s chances.

LR travelled to Entiat for the Dec. 4 game originally scheduled for Coulee Dam. Because of the potential for another rainout under the leaky Gailord Nelson Gym during reroofing, the game was moved to Entiat.

“Tough that it wasn’t a home game,” Head Coach Matt Simpson said, explaining how the team adjusted to the change in locale. “Just how we prepare, making sure we bring energy, positive body language, focus, emphasis on talking and rebounding.”

“Lots of fouls called,” he said. “No team was really able to find a rhythm, it came down to who could make the most free throws.”

Simpson pointed out that LR needs to improve in that last area.

“Only stat that seemed to matter was we were 55 percent from the free throw line,” he noted. “They were 84 percent, and it came down to the last shot.”

On a positive note, the Raiders showed good chemistry and learned from the game. The team, Simpson said, “stayed together whole game” in a “tough place to play energywise. We brought our own energy, so we all led by example and with attitude.”

Simpson said he is encouraged the players “all know the areas of growth now.”

Jackson Louie led the team in scoring with 22 points, while also grabbing four rebounds. Chance Garvin led with eight rebounds while scoring 14. Austin Rosenbaum nabbed six rebounds against the Tigers.

The Raiders came back to practice Friday looking to improve on defense, committing fewer fouls, and making free throw shots.

“Entiat exploited some of our weaknesses, which will help us grow and get better,” Simpson said.

After opening Central Washington North play with a game at Liberty Bell High School last night, Thursday the Raiders will host the Oroville Hornets at the middle school gym starting at 7:30 p.m., weather permitting. Then on Saturday LR heads south to Warden to take on the Cougars in a non-league matchup at 1 p.m.