Royal boys top Okanogan, drop two in SCAC East
ROYAL CITY — For one game early last week it appeared the Royal High boys basketball team had overcome its shooting and turnover woes in a 71-49 non-league win over Okanogan.
But the Knights struggled again on the weekend, dropping a 56-55 game to Wahluke and 71-66 game to Connell. Both games were a case of too many turnovers, some of them unforced against Connell.
The game against Okanogan gave the Knights hope for the weekend. They shot 62 percent from the field and had only six turnovers for the game.
“Everything went our way,” coach Pete Christensen said.
Royal jumped on Okanogan early. Corbin Christensen put up 12 points in a 24-15 first quarter. The Knights took a commanding lead with a 19-2 second period.
Corbin Christensen made two 3-point shots in his first quarter barrage and finished the game with 23 points. Owen Ellis had 16 and Isaac Ellis 13. Kaden Jenks added seven, Gage Christensen four, Carter Dorsing three and Raynor Beierle two.
The game with high-flying Wahluke was a case of the Knights not finishing. They had a three-point lead with 50 seconds left, but the Warriors rallied to win.
Ironically, the Knights had dedicated some practice time during the week to game-ending scenarios.
It did not help the Knights that Kaden Jenks, a two-year starter, was unavailable for the weekend. He will not be available any weekend in January as he makes football recruiting visits to colleges.
“That’s going to make it difficult,” coach Christensen said.
Royal led 16-12 after one quarter, 32-29 at the half and 44-41 after three periods. Wahluke won the fourth period, 14-11, and the game.
Royal was led by the sparkling performance of Owen Ellis with 28 points. But Isaac Ellis was held to eight points, and Corbin Chrisensen was held to nine. Osiel Ramirez and Sawyer Jenks scored five points each.
The Connell contest was another barn-burner. The Eagles jumped ahead, 22-12, after on period, and Royal battled back to lead, 45-44 at the end of three quarters.
Juan Ojeda and Corbin Christensen led the second-quarter charge with five points each. Ojeda hit a 3-pointer and Corbin Christensen made three free throws. Both scored four more in the fourth, and Isaac Ellis had five. Owen Ellis and Isaac Ellis kept the Knights in the game with six points each in the first period.
Owen finished the game as the scoring leader with 18 points, Isaac Ellis had 16, Corbin Christensen added 12 and Ojeda put up nine. Also scoring for the Knights were Gage Christensen with five points and Sawyer Jenks and Carter Dorsing with three points each.
Royal hosted College Place last night and will travel to Kiona-Benton and Warden Friday and Saturday.