Comets off to a good start with come from behind victory over Warriors

12/5/2007 9:08:00 PM

Naselle’s Conor Smith, left, and Nick Hines combine for a block in the second half of Friday night’s win over visiting Warrenton. DAMIAN MULINIX photo

Despite suffering yet another seperated shoulder in the second half of the game, Kyle Burkhalter still led the Comets with 16 points in their win over Warrenton Friday night. DAMIAN MULINIX photo

Naselle 61 — Warrenton 52

By PHIL RAISTAKKAObserver corespondent

NASELLE - The Naselle Comets boys basketball team opened the season with a fast start against the Warrenton Warriors in the non-league opener in Naselle's Lyle Patterson gym Friday, Nov. 30.The Comets, most of them having just shed their football pads for their round-ball gear, started quickly, lost their momentum in the second period, but came back with a strong second half in beating the Warriors 61-52. The Comets quick start propelled them to a 16-9 first period bulge before the Warriors roared back with an 11-point second period scoring advantage to grab a 30-26 halftime lead. Whatever prescriptions that Naselle coach Brian Macy dispensed during the intermission must have worked as the Comets came out with a dominating 15-4 third period to take a seven point lead into the final eight minutes. The Comets increased that lead by two points in the fourth quarter in notching their initial win of the season. Coach Macy said, "We out-rebounded them 34-31. (We had) pretty spotty play for the most part. We will need to get more consistent pressure on defense, rebound better and definitely shoot free throws better. But for this early, and considering most of our player just finished playing football, it was not too bad of a showing. Some are still trying to get their basketball legs and get into basketball shape. Next week will definitely be a challenge and hopefully get us farther along, as far as conditioning is concerned." Naselle got balanced scoring from six members of their team with Kyle Burkhalter's 16 points leading three Comets in double figures. Nathan Sultemeier popped in 13 points, while Conor Smith added 10. The other three Comets, who scored were only a shot away from double digits. The Burkhalter brothers led the board patrol with Austin pulling down 12 boards and Kyle 9. Smith added 6 retrievals to help give Naselle a 34-31 rebounding advantage. The Comets have a busy non-league basketball schedule this week. After playing at Ilwaco last night (Tuesday), they entertain Seaside this Friday, Dec. 7, and are at Wahkiakum for the annual K M Trophy game on Saturday, Dec. 8.Those games will serve as a warm-up for three Pacific League games which will follow in the next six days (Dec. 13-18), with all three games to be played in Naselle.

Warrenton (52) - Moore 14, Lampi 13, Peterson 8, Davis 7, Little 4, Morrison 3, Hackwith 3.

Naselle (61) - Kyle Burkhalter 16, Nathan Sultemeier 13, Conor Smith 10, Austin Burkhalter 8, See 7, Nick Hines 7.