Comet boys lose first league game to North Beach

By PHIL RAISTAKKAObserver corespondent
NASELLE - A disastrous third quarter paved the way for the Naselle Comets boys loss in their opening Pacific League basketball game Thursday, Dec. 13, in Lyle Patterson Gym. Naselle was out-pointed by 11 points in the third quarter. The Comets had a 34-30 half-time lead over the North Beach Hyaks, but by the time that the third period ended, the Comets trailed 49-42 on their way to a 74-62 loss. The loss dropped the Comets season record to 1-3 overall, 0-1 in league games.The Comets seemed to be in charge of the game through the early going as they led 20-15 after one quarter and, after being outscored 15-14 in the second eight minutes, they still held a four point lead at the intermission. The Burkhalter brothers, especially Austin with 17 first half points, provided the Comets with much of their early momentum. Kyle, playing despite his chronically-injured shoulder was able to score 15 game points. Conor Smith gave the Comets three double digit scorers as he added 12 points to the Naselle total. Smith also added 10 rebounds in earning a double-double.The Hyaks, however, got very well-balanced scoring with four players in double figures, led by Sam Johnson with 21 points Russell Alfaro 16, Jaamal Lind 16 and Jordan Fry with 10, gave the Hyaks a balanced scoring attack. Alfaro and Fry were each to pull down 11 rebounds to lead the Hyaks in that department.Of the second half, coach Brian Macy said, "We got as close as seven points but were unable to overcome the deficit." Part of the problem was that Sam Johnson's defense held Austin Burkhalter to two third quarter points, and to only four points in the second half. When the other Comets didn't pick up the scoring challenge, the Hyaks expanded their lead from four points to seven points, and then to the eventual 12 points difference.In addition to Kyle Burkhalter's continued shoulder problems, NHS played without Nathan Sultemeier who was out with the flu. Gabriel See had his most productive scoring game of the season, so far, with eight points.

Naselle (62) - Austin Burkhalter 23, Kyle Burkhalter 15, Conor Smith 12, See 8, N. Hines 4, Erickson, Gilbert, Griss;

FG % 23/65 - 35.4% -includes 4-21 3's,
FT % 15/26 -57.7%;
Rebounds (31): Smith 10, A. Burkahlter 7;
Turnovers: 16

North Beach (74) - Sam Johnson 21, Russell Alfaro 16, Jaamal Lind 16, Jordan Fry 10, Capoeman 7, Pope 2, Ray 2. Jerome, FG:27-52 (.519), FT: 17-24; Rebounds: Alfaro 11, Frye 11

JVs: North Beach won.