Clatskanie split home and away going into final two games

The Clatskanie boys basketball team settled for a split over its last two contests, destroying Gaston 58-21 at home last Friday, Feb. 7, and falling 66-47 to Knappa High School in Astoria Tuesday night. "We gave them hell the first half," said Clatskanie Coach Deshaun Combs regarding the Knappa game. "The third quarter has been our nightmare all season. (We) just couldn't take care of the ball in the second half. I'm proud of our boys putting up a fight. (They) just couldn't close out."

The Tigers were led in scoring by sophomore Gunner Engen, who had 11 points on 4 of 8 shooting from the field. Engen also led the boys with three assists. Sophomore Michael Simpson, who had 10 points on 4 of 7 shooting from the field, led the team in rebounds with seven and blocks with two. Freshman Will Van Voorst led the team in steals with four to go along with his nine points, five rebounds, and two assists.

Last Friday's home win against Gaston had Engen leading the scoring as well. The sophomore had 18 points on 7 of 13 shooting from the field and led the team in steals with six. Van Voorst led the team in rebounds with five and co-led in blocks with Engen, as each managed one in the blowout victory. Senior Brendan Shroll contributed nine points to go along with three steals and two assists.

The Tigers (6-19) will travel to Aloha Thursday, Feb. 13 to take on Faith Bible Christian before returning home Friday, Feb. 14 for their final game of the regular season against Portland's Columbia Christian at 7:30 p.m. inside the Clatskanie High School gym. The results of the contests will be available in next week's edition of the Wahkiakum County Eagle.