Royal boys stunned by Warden, 48-39

ROYAL CITY - Royal was held to single digits in each of the first two periods Saturday and had its three-game win streak snapped by Warden in a non-league boys hoops contest at Warden.

"We didn't show up to play," coach Pete Christensen said. "We started off flat and never really got things going."

Warden held the Knights to a 9-5 first period and led 25-14 at the half. Then Royal had a rash of fouls early in the second half. The Cougars made 17 of their 19 free throws after intermission.

The good news for the Knights was a break-out performance by wing Abel Castellon. He made two of four three-point attempts and totaled 13 points.

Tough news for Royal was the rest of the three-point shooting. The remainder of the team went 0-19.

"This was a wake-up call for us," Christensen said. "We have six big games in front of us. We can't afford to play like this."

The first of those games will be tonight at Mabton. It will be a battle for second place in the South Central A Conference East. Royal is 4-2, Mabton 5-1.

Royal hosts Connell on Friday and travels to Wahluke.