Clatskanie boys basketball

Fresh off their first victory of the season against rival Rainier, the Clatskanie boys basketball team fell to Portland Adventist Academy last Tuesday, Dec. 17. A dominant first quarter had the Cougars leading the Tigers 18-2. Portland Adventist would not let up on their hosts the remaining three quarters, outscoring Clatskanie 12-8, 17-6, and 8-5 for the 55-21 win. The Tigers were led in scoring by sophomore Michael Simson, who had 11 points shooting 4 of 16 from the field. On the defensive side, Simpson had five boards and a steal for Clatskanie. Junior Zack Mollenhour led the team in both rebounds with seven and steals with four. Mollenhour and senior Ryder Gorley led the team in blocks with one apiece.

The boys traveled to Vancouver Saturday, Dec. 21 to take on the King's Way Christian's Knights. Clatskanie was given no "warm welcome" in the contest, being shut out the entire first quarter 21-0. The Knights outscored the Tigers the following three quarters 11-5, 11-8, and 10-7. Junior Bode Shulda, freshman Will Van Voorst and Gorley had four points each to lead the Tigers in scoring in the 53-20 loss. Van Voorst led the team in rebounds with four and, along with Ayden Blackshire, co-led the team with three steals. Blackshire led the team with two blocks, while Shulda had two assists to lead the Tigers. "We are growing and fighting to get better each day," said coach Deshaun Combs following the loss.

The Tigers (1-7) will return to action Mon, Dec. 30 when they travel to Colton to take on the Vikings.