Stanwood pulls away late in win over Oak Harbor boys

A two-minute melt down midway through the second half cost the Oak Harbor boys basketball team in its 59-43 loss at Stanwood Thursday.

The Spartans feature Zack Johnson and Kale Schimdt, two returning first-team all-Wesco players and four-year lettermen. With the pair, Stanwood is considered one of the Wesco North's top teams. Although Oak Harbor entered the game with a 0-5 league and 1-8 season record, they didn't back down.

Oak Harbor trailed by just three, 38-35, before the fateful two minutes.

The Spartans scored off a turnover on the final play of the third quarter. They had first possession of the fourth and scored again. Back-to-back Wildcat turnovers led to two more buckets, and in a flash Stanwood had a two-digit lead. Cold shooting plagued the Wildcats later in the period as they attempted to battle back.

Oak Harbor was held to its lowest offensive output of the season with 43 points as Stanwood focused on stopping high-scoring Mike Washington Jr. The sophomore guard managed just six points, as Jay Stout helped out with 12 points and Stevie Bratt scored seven off the bench. Colby Anter finished with six, Denzel Harden four, Aaron Boesch three, Ryan Fakkema three and Trace Paul two.

Johnson had 18 points and 14 rebounds for Stanwood (4-2, 4-6). Twelve of his points came in the first half. Oak Harbor coach Mike Washington Sr. said they made some adjustment at halftime which slowed down the Spartan power forward after the break.

With two spirited efforts this week, Washington Sr. said he believes his team has "turned the corner."

Washington said the Wildcats are "improving," and added, "I like where we are right now." He said, "We are playing with energy and sharing the ball really well."

Washington said his team's confidence and chemistry is building with its solid performances this week. "I want to win, but I am happy with our performance. I am proud of the guys and I am happy with their effort. They said they think they can beat Stanwood when they come to Oak Harbor."

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

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