2B boys basketball: Fishermen fall to Warriors 58-55 in final seconds

Published 9:30 pm Sunday, December 22, 2024

ILWACO — A young and hungry Ilwaco basketball team met a seasoned, senior-laden Warrenton squad for a classic clash Friday night.

Although the teams compete in different leagues, classification and state, the game was fast and physical from the opening tip, like two long-time league rivals, with Warrenton taking a 16-13 lead after a back-and-forth first period.

The margin remained the same through the second period, as both teams continued to trade baskets and physical blows with Ilwaco junior guard Dylan Pelas (11) hitting back-to-back three pointers to keep it a one-possesion game at the half (26-23 Warrenton). In the third period, a putback from Ilwaco junior Spencer Needham (33), drew the Fishermen within one (34-33) before Warrenton answered to maintain their slim 36-33 lead heading into the final period.

In the final period, Ilwaco junior guard Jacob Gordon (10) kick-started the Fishermen offense with five straight points, giving the Fishermen a brief lead (39-38), before the Warriors again answered with a run of their own, retaking the lead (40-39), with five minutes remaining. Ilwaco junior Diego Hernandez (3) responded with back-to-back layups, tying the game (46-46) before Dylan Pelas (11) added a three pointer causing the home crowd to erupt with Fishermen leading (49-46), with less than three minutes (2:48) remaining.

As they had all night, Warrenton immediately answered, this time with a three-pointer from senior Calvin Olson (31), tying the game (49-49), with two minutes remain. Ilwaco junior Cooper Petit (31) gave the Fishermen their final lead (55-53) on a layup with 1 minute remaining, but a step-back three pointer from Warrenton senior Odin Wilson (1) would be the final dagger, allowing the Warriors to escape with a 58-55 win.

Ilwaco junior Dylan Pelas (11) finished with a team-high 14 points, followed by junior Jacob Gordon with 13.

Ilwaco head coach Eric McMillan was pleased with his team’s effort against a quality, experienced team in Warrenton (7-1), which featured five senior starters.

“Boys really competed their tails off, even though we played a team with seven seniors with some physical advantages over us,” McMillan said.

“We continue to grow more confident and I feel like we are right on the cusp of being on the other side of these games. Being without Haddox last night hurt, but we had other guys step up. Playing these experienced and physical teams is great for our development as a team as it helps the boys see what we need to continue to work on, but also recognize that each play/possession matters and the attention to detail is really important for pulling out close games.”

Through the first five games, McMillan has been seen steady improvement in the play and leadership from his young team that includes just one senior.

“Dylan Pelas and Jacob Gordon have stepped up their play, but their leadership has been huge for us as we get all the new guys acclimated to the varsity level pace of play,” McMillan said.

“As much of a bummer losing a game like that is, it is extremely encouraging to see the boy’s effort and attitudes when handling adversity and it’s a blast getting to coach them.”

Up next: Ilwaco (1-4) will next host Forks on Friday, Jan. 3.