Cold-shooting 'Cats fall to Juanita | Boys basketball

Oak Harbor shooters went into a deep freeze at Bellevue Community College Thursday, Dec. 29, as the Wildcat boys basketball team lost to Juanita 52-32 in round two of the Bellevue Holiday Tournament.

The Wildcats (3-6) wrap up tournament play Friday, Dec. 30, at 3 p.m. when they play Renton (3-6) for seventh and eighth place.

After having four players score in double figures in its previous game, Oak Harbor had just one score more than four points in the loss to Juanita (3-6).

The Wildcats lost by 20 points although they put up only one less shot than the Rebels. Oak Harbor hit only 11 of 47 for 23.4 percent.

Juanita sank 21 of 48 for 43.8 percent.

Oak Harbor particularly struggled from beyond the arc, connecting on only one of 16 (6.25 percent). Juanita was 4-for-12 (33 percent).

The Rebels from Kirkland also outscored Oak Harbor 16-8 off turnovers after committing three less, 16, than the 'Cats.

Mike Washington Jr. rang up 19 of Oak Harbor's 32 points. Zach Gibbs scored four; Drew Washington, Matt Burgoyne, Elias Whitefoot and Chris Hailer two each; and JoJo Webster one.

Coach Mike Washington Sr. said the Rebels often triple-teamed Washington Jr., but his teammates couldn't take advantage offensively, collecting one less field goal combined (five) for the game than Washington Jr. and shooting just 17 percent.

Juanita jumped on the cold 'Cats early, going up 17-6 in the first quarter, and led 27-17 at the half and 40-25 after three periods.

The Rebels also had only one player in double figures, Ty Eng with 16, but had four others get at least six.

Washington Sr. credited Juanita's defense for some of Oak Harbor's shooting woes, but said, "We had a lot of good shots, we just couldn't make any."

Contact Whidbey News Times Sports editor Jim Waller at jwaller@whidbeynewsgroup.com or 360-675-6611 ext. 5060.

Comment on this story.

COMMENTING RULES: We encourage an open exchange of ideas in our online community, but we ask you to follow our guidelines for respecting community standards. In a nutshell, don't say anything you wouldn't want your mother to read. Please see our FAQ if you have questions or concerns about using Facebook to comment.