Ms. Clutch: Big Bend's Johnson makes game-winning 3 against WVC

WENATCHEE — Something about big shots clicks with Miranda Johnson.

For the second time in five games, Johnson made a game-winning shot for Big Bend. Wednesday, Johnson hit a 3-pointer as time expired to break a 62-62 tie with Wenatchee Valley and earn Big Bend a major road win 65-62.

Big Bend (4-5, 15-7) received some help around the NWAC East and now are tied for fifth place with Yakima Valley, one game in the loss column behind North Idaho for the fourth and final playoff spot.

Tied 26-26 at halftime, Wenatchee Valley created some breathing room in the third quarter and entered the final period up five points.

However, the Vikings awoke offensively and poured in 26 fourth-quarter points to erase the deficit.

In a close game with serious playoff implications, Big Bend road its starters to the tune of 62 of its 65 points. Johnson played all but one minute and scored 23 points on 8-of-22 shooting. Callie Gronning and Leah Dougherty added 11 and 10 points, respectively. Wenatchee Valley countered with 28 points from Ashlynn Burgess.

Big Bend caught up in the fourth quarter behind six 3-pointers in a row. Johnson started the fourth with a pair of 3-pointers; Sunnie Martinez, Gronning and Dougherty made one each to turn a 44-39 deficit into a 57-52 lead with four and a half minutes to play.

The Knights stormed back to lead 60-58 before Martinez sunk a go-ahead 3. Johnson then split a pair of free throws before Wenatchee Valley’s Aria Frost made a game-tying lay-up with 12 seconds left.

Next: vs. Blue Mountain, 2 p.m.

Men’s basketball

Wenatchee Valley 83, Big Bend 81

WENATCHEE — Justin Martin made a lay-up as time ran out and Wenatchee Valley outlasted Big Bend 83-81.

A fitting end to a game where the largest lead for either side was eight points.

The Knights pulled ahead 57-49 in the second half before the Runnin’ Vikes (4-4, 11-9) crept back into the game and eventually regained the lead, 62-61, on a bucket by Koby Huerta.

Both teams traded baskets until Huerta tied the game on a 3-pointer with 13 seconds left, 81-81.

The Knights were able to execute out of a timeout and Martin scored the game-winner.

DeAngelo Stowers’ 20 points led four Vikes in double figures.

Next: vs. Blue Mountain, 4 p.m.