Comet boys continue win streak with win over Ocosta

By PHIL RAISTAKKA
Observer corespondent

WESTPORT - Eight wins in a row was the record that the Naselle Comets boys were working on after beating the Ocosta Wildcats Tuesday, Jan 22, in the Wildcats gym, 60-42.In contrast to their first game with Ocosta two weeks ago, when the Comets won by 54 points, this win didn't come quite as easily. Naselle ran off to a 21-6 first quarter led, only to see some of that fast start disappear over the next two-plus quarters.The Comets were outscored by the Cats 14-10 in the second period, cutting the Naselle lead to 31-20 at the half. The Comets added to their lead with an 18-13 third quarter for a 13 point lead going into the final stanza. But just like the proverbial bad penny, the Cats clawed back within eight points, at 49-41 with over two minutes left, before the Comets were able to put it away with 11 quick points in a 13-8 fourth period. Naselle coach Brian Macy said, "It wasn't our best effort and we had to go on a little run to open it up. You are always happy with a win, but this one was ugly for us, we weren't sharp at all."Nathan (Sultemeier) was 5 for 9 from the 3-point line. They (Ocosta) sat in a 3-2 zone and were focusing on getting out on Austin (Burkhalter), and Nathan capitalized on that. It was a big boost in the arm offensively as we were struggling."With about 3 minutes to go we were ahead 49-41, and we went to a half court trap that caught them off guard. After a few quick buckets the game was over."Sultemeier had his best scoring game of the year with 16 points, a total which was matched by Austin Burkhalter, also with 16 points. Kyle Burkhalter dropped in 12 points to give Naselle three double digit scorers, and Conor Smith was only one hoop out of doubles with eight points. The Comets usual big three rebounders, Kyle and Conor with eight apiece, and Austin, with seven, led the Naselle board patrol.One of the reasons for the Cats better game this time around, was the return from injury of Kevin Spivey. who led all scorers with 20 points. Kaylan Forbis, whose 24 points had led the Cats in the first Ocosta game, with Spivey being absent, had nine points in this game.

Naselle 21 10 18 13 - 60
Ocosta 6 14 13 8 - 42

Naselle (60) - Nathan Sultemeier 16, Austin Burkhalter 16, Kyle Burkhalter 12, Smith 8, See 4, Erickson 3, N. Hines 1, J. Hines, Macy, Mendoza;

FG - 24-43 (56%).
FT - 6-10 (60%);
Rebounds: K. Burkhalter 8, Smith 8, A. Burkhalter 7;
Assists: K. Burkhalter 3

Ocosta (42) - Kevin Spivey 20, Kaylan Forbis 9, Deuber 6, Quinby 4, Mitchell 2, Kuni 1, Ogelsby;

FG - 15-46 (33%).
FT - 8-12 (67%);
Rebounds: Deuber 14