Comets get downed by Astoria in tourney opener

1/3/2008 12:01:00 AM
By PHIL RAISTAKKAObserver corespondent

ASTORIA - The Naselle Comets boys made a strong comeback in the second half, but it was not quite enough as the Comets lost on a buzzer-beater to the Astoria Fishermen in their first game of the Vince Dulcich Tournament played in Astoria. Max Johnson made a running 8-foot shot just before the final buzzer to give Astoria a 37-35 victory over Naselle on Thursday, Dec. 27, in the opening round of the Astoria Tournament. The Comets season record dropped to 2-5.The Comets came back from a 24-17 halftime deficit to earn a 28-28 tie going into the fourth quarter. With neither team able to mount a significant offensive charge in the last eight minutes, the outcome was decided on Johnson's short runner just before the final horn.The Fishermen had taken an early 11 point lead and led 15-9 after one quarter. The Fish maintained that lead through the half and into the third period before the Comets rallied. The Comets went on a 9-0 run that was triggered by Austin Burkhalter's 3-ball and was finished by a three point play by brother Kyle which tied the score at 26 with a little over two minutes left in the third period. However, the Comets could not take the lead.Going into the final eight minutes, the Comets again had to come back from a deficit. Gabe See scored on a lay-in, Kyle Burkhalter scored inside, with half a minute left, to tie the score at 34. The two teams then traded free throws inside the last half minute before Johnson's short shot sealed the deal for the Fishermen.The Comets had the only players in double figures as Kyle Burkhalter scored 13 points and Austin Burkhalter added 10. Conor Smith led the board patrol with eight rebounds and Nick Hines had three steals.The Comets played the loser of the Banks-Knappa game on Saturday afternoon (due to an earlt holiday deadline this game took place after this week's sports section was printed).

Naselle (35) - Kyle Burkhalter 13, Austin Burkhalter 10, See 4, Smith 4, Hines 2, Erickson 2, Macy

Astoria (37) - Chris Meyer 9, H. Lund 8, Poyer 6, Dalton 6, Johnson 5, Conklin 3, Eterno, D. Lund, Graham, Hatcher