Comets clip Seagulls for sixth straight win

RAYMOND - Red hot describes the Naselle Comets boys basketball team as the Comets raced to their sixth successive win with a 65-47 Pacific League win over the Raymond Seagulls Thursday, Jan. 17, in the Raymond gym. The win gave the Comets an 8-5 season record, 6-2 in league. The win moved the Comets into a first-place tie with Tacoma Baptist, North Beach and Northwest Christian in the boys Pacific League.The Comets had three double digit scorers and a fourth just out of doubles, led by sophomore Austin Burkhalter who has been on a scoring tear in the last four games. Austin scored 20 points in this game, following his high-scoring games of 17 against North Beach, 17 against Ocosta and 33 against South Bend.Austin wasn't alone in his scoring efforts as Conor Smith had a double-double with 13 points and 12 rebounds, Kyle Burkhalter chipped in with 11 points, 4 assists, and 4 steals, and Nick Hines was one point out of double digits with 9 points. The Comets got excellent floor support from Nathan Sultemeier who dished out seven assists and from Alan Erickson with seven rebounds.The Comets took control of this game early-on, leading 17-10 after one period, 39-17 at the half as they poured it on with a 22-7 second period run. Naselle then finished out the game with a 14-11 third period and they were out-scored 19-12 in the final stanza for their 18-point win.Coach Brian Macy complimented his team, especially for their defensive efforts, by saying, "We've been playing well, especially defensively. I was real proud of the team defense our first crew played."

Naselle (65) - Austin Burkhalter 20, Conor Smith 13, Kyle Burkhalter 11, N. Hines 9, See 6, Mendoza 4, J. Hines 2, Erickson, Sultemeier, Macy; FG - 25-56 (45%),
FT - 12-21(57%);
Rebounds: Smith 12, Erickson 7;
Assists: Sultemeier 7, K. Burkhalter 4;
Steals: K, Burkhalter 4

Raymond (47) - Ethan Gusdal 12, Adam Montgomery 12, Snider 7, El 5, Guthrie 3, Xaysy 2, Topping 2, Newman 2, Lundy 2;
FG - 19-66 (29%).
FT - 8-13 (62%);
Rebounds: Snider 6, El 6;
Assists: Xaysy 5

JV - Naselle 57, Raymond 33.