Chiefs struggle against undefeated Richland

PASCO - Moses Lake's postseason run ended with a thud Friday night after an 83-55 loss to undefeated Richland.

Despite outrebounding the Bombers, Moses Lake was unable to recover from an early deficit and trailed the entire game.

The Chiefs set the goal of holding Richland to under 25 percent from the 3-point line and after the first half the Bombers had only made 1/8, good for 12.5 percent.

"They are an explosive offensive machine because they have so many weapons," head coach John Hohman said.

Eventually, the 3's started to fall for Richland and a seven-point deficit ballooned to as many as 29.

Moses Lake trailed early after sophomore center Cesar Sandoval was whistled for two fouls in the first quarter. Sandoval was the most effective Chief, scoring 22 points and grabbing six rebounds, but was limited to just 20 minutes and fouled out of the game.

The Chiefs were whistled for 22 fouls compared to Richland's six. The first Richland foul didn't come until about three minutes remained in the first half.

The Bombers took advantage of their numerous opportunities from the line and made 24/34 free throws.

Only two attempts and one make from the charity stripe.

Moses Lake's regional berth was the team's first in the 4A classification since 1992.

"I think that for these guys to achieve this it was obviously something super special," Hohman said. "For these guys I think they really are ... They're a group of successful kids. They work hard and do all the right things to be successful."

Junior Tyson Karstetter continued his improved play during the postseason and recorded another double-double with 10 points and 12 rebounds.

Chiawana High School was packed to the rafters with fans that made the trip from Moses Lake and Richland. About 400 people were turned away after the gym reached capacity.

Moses Lake will graduate five seniors: Nick Sutherland, Josh Hirz, Bryan Earl, Jordan Chavez and Jace Hunt. Hohman couldn't speak enough about how difficult it was to say goodbye to that group of players and commended them for their leadership and the willingness of some to take a lesser role for the betterment of the team.

"If our seniors aren't the way they are this team is nothing," he said.

Hohman also wanted to thank Chief Moses and Frontier Middle School for their support throughout the season.