Naselle senior William Anderson (33) shoots a free throw against Ilwaco.

ILWACO — For another year, the belt will stay in Naselle.

Naselle senior Jacob Lindstrom (5) poured in a game-high 25 points to lead the Comets to a 60-51 non-league victory over Ilwaco on Saturday, Jan. 11, retaining the championship belt in the rivalry game known as the ‘Bear River Battle.’

Lindstrom leads Comets over Fishermen

It was another classic chapter in the Bear River Battle, named after the small river that serves as the rough boundary between the two rural rival schools, located less than 20 miles apart.

The first period featured several ties and lead changes, with Naselle scoring the final five points to take a 15-10 advantage into the second.

In the second period, Naselle was able to build on their lead spurred by Lindstrom, who scored seven of his game-high 25 points to give the Comets a 32-20 lead at the half.

In the third period, Naselle continued to apply defensive pressure, limiting the Fishermen to only 11 points in the period while Lindstrom accounted for eight more himself, extending the Comet lead to 50-31 heading into the final period.

In the final period, Ilwaco showed resiliency, fighting to cut the lead to single digits (57-49) following a three-pointer from junior guard Jacob Gordon (10) with 70 seconds remaining.

But the Comets sealed the game from the free throw line, with seniors William Anderson (33) and Lindstrom each sinking shots to secure the 60-51 win.

Lindstrom, who has a history of bringing his best game against their biggest rival, including a 29-point outburst in a 68-58 win against Ilwaco in Naselle last season, was content with his 25-point finale against the Fishermen.

“It feels good,” Lindstrom said. “Ending the rivalry with that feels pretty awesome.”

Up next:

Naselle (8-3) will travel to take on Wahkiakum on Jan. 14.

Ilwaco (5-7) will travel to take on Raymond/South Bend on Jan. 16.