Comets drop two straight against league foes

Photo by DAMIAN MULINIX/Chinook ObserverKyle Burkhalter dribbles past Tacoma Baptist’s Barclay Tuell while driving to the hoop Saturday night. Burkhalter led his team with 14 points in the loss.






Photo by DAMIAN MULINIX/Chinook ObserverNaselle’s Gabe See tries to pass out of a double team in the paint. Tough defense by the larger Crusader players made it difficult for the Comets to get the kinds of shots they wanted throughout the game.





PHIL RAISTAKKAObserver corespondent
NASELLE - Getting 38 points from their three front-line players wasn't enough for the Naselle Comets boys as they lost their game Saturday, Dec. 13. The Comets lost their second Pacific League game of the season 59-51 to the Tacoma Baptist Crusaders in the game played in Lyle Patterson Gym. The Comets (1-4, 0-2 in league) were outscored 27-16 in the middle two quarters of the game. They came back with a strong fourth period (23-17) but it wasn't enough as the Crusaders held on for the win.Kyle Burkhalter had an outstanding all-around game with a double-double (14 points and 15 rebounds) in addition to leading the Comets with five assists and four steals. Conor Smith had 13 points and eight rebounds and Austin Burkhalter was also in double figure scoring with 11 points.The Crusaders freshman point guard Isiah Hamlin led all scorers with 25 points and he was joined by Aa. Mears with 17 points.Coach Brian Macy said, "We are playing better, but need to be more consistent in our effort (against North Beach) and play smarter (both games)."The Comets played their third league game of the season on Tuesday, Dec. 18 and then they are off until after Christmas when they are scheduled to play two games in the Astoria Christmas Tournament.


NASELLE (51) - Kyle Burkhalter 14, Conor Smith 13, Austin Burkhalter 11, N. Hines 3, Sultemeier 3, See 2, Erickson 2;

FG% 21/50 - 42%,
FT% 7/21 - 33%;
Rebounds (33): K. Burkhalter 15, Smith 8;
Assists: K. Burkhalter 5;
Steals: K. Burkhalter 4.
Turnovers: 18

TACOMA BAPTIST (59) - Isiah Hamlin 25, A. Mears 17, Tiworski 4, Ad. Mears 4, Narayan 3, Tuell 2, Finley 2, Gilman 2