SPOKANE — Morton-White Pass boys rocketed out to a lead early, swatted away every comeback attempt Northwest Christian (Colbert) threw at them and secured a 67-50 victory in the opening round of state Wednesday at the Spokane Arena.
“I’m just excited for the kids,” MWP coach Chad Cramer said. “Clearly they weren’t ready to be done. I’m excited to watch them go through this experience. It’s really why you coach. We’ll just try and keep stacking up Ws.”
Facing elimination, MWP locked in, fueled by the inside domination of 6-foot-7 post Josh Salguero, a vice-grip defense and dogged determination.
The No. 5 Timberwolves led by 11 at the half (33-22) and by 19 entering the fourth quarter (52-33) in a physical, fast-paced foray against the No. 13 Crusaders.
The Timberwolves pushed the lead to 25 with six minutes to go — after Salguero re-entered after having to sit most of the third quarter with four fouls. He would go on to finish with a game-high 24 points and 10 boards.
Also providing an offensive spark was Hazen Hunter, normally known for his tough defense, who finished with 14 points, six boards and two steals. Gary Dotson added 12 points and two steals as well.
The trio was able to counter NWC’s duo of Asher West and Avi West, who tallied 15 and 19 points, respectively.
“We practice better offensively than we ever play, but today was a little better,” Cramer said. “We knew we were bigger than them and we wanted to pound it in. And we did a good job getting into the paint.
“Defensively, we’re always solid. We know how to defend and we know how to defend certain things. I thought we’d come out here and play well. The result really didn’t surprise me.”
Morton-White Pass now moves on to the double-elimination bracket, where it will face Colfax in the state quarterfinals at 7:15 p.m. on Thursday. Cramer said he’ll be up late Wednesday poring over game film in preparation.
“They’re a powerhouse,” Cramer said. “It wasn’t that long ago they played for a state title. Again, we’re playing a team that’s right here in Spokane. It’s a huge disadvantage for us. They sleep in their own beds, wake up and have mom’s breakfast in the morning. We’re going to Denny’s.
“But we look forward to the challenge. When you get to state, every team is good. So it doesn’t really matter to me who we face. We’re good, they’re good and you just plan the best you can.”
