Taylor Drey hit a 3-pointer from the corner with three seconds remaining, capping the Thunder’s stirring fourth-quarter comeback in the Class 3A bi-district tournament.
After starting the game by making two free throws after Mount Tahoma received a technical foul for dunking during warmups, Mountain View trailed for the next 31 minutes in the contest at Clover Park of Lakewood. The Thunderbirds led 55-43 entering the fourth quarter and extended the lead to 14 points early in the period.
“We switched defenses, picked up our intensity,” Mountain View coach Nate DuChesne said. “They started missing shots, they got a little tight, and we kept bringing pressure.”
Shane McCauley scored 11 of his team-high 24 points in the fourth quarter for the Thunder. Drey added eight of his 18 in the final period, and Mountain View overcame a 31-point night from Brian Neal.
Mountain View finally regained the lead in the final minute on a basket by Luke DuChesne, who finished with 14 points and six assists. A Mount Tahoma basket put the Thunderbirds back in front, and a free throw gave them a two-point advantage.
But with eight seconds to play, Mountain View had the ball out of bounds under its own basket, and the ensuing play resulted in Drey’s game-winner.
With the loss, Mount Tahoma was eliminated from the tournament.
Mountain View advances to the final eight as the tournament goes to a double-elimination format, and will be trying to earn one of six spots in next week’s regional tournament. The Thunder play Kennedy Catholic of Burien on Friday at Franklin Pierce of Tacoma.
MOUNTAIN VIEW 68, MOUNT TAHOMA 67
MOUNTAIN VIEW — Shane McCauley 24, Luke DuChesne 14, Taylor Drey 18, Akash Sanghera 4, Alex Torson 8, Nolan Biggs 0, Patrick Woodson 0. Totals 26 (2) 14-21 68.
MOUNT TAHOMA — Hammond 5, Keyes 3, Irwin 6, Rollins 15, Neal 31, Wiley 7, Jones 0. Totals 27 (7) 6-10 67.
Mtn. View 15 12 16 25–68
Mt. Tahoma 18 20 17 12–67
