A big first quarter wasn’t enough for Prairie to run away with the 3A district semifinal.
Sparked by a two-handed slam dunk by Ronnie McPherson, Prairie started the game on a 15-2 run.
Fort Vancouver stormed back in the second and third quarters.
Tre Eisenhunt’s 32 points was key in the comeback and three Eisenhunt free-throws at the end of the third quarter gave Fort Vancouver their first lead of the game at 42-41. Eisenhunt didn’t score in the first quarter and had 21 of his 32 points in the second half.
“It a wild one,” said Prairie coach Kyle Brooks.
Prairie was consistent all night from the field and Michael Stockbridge stepped up in a big way, scoring 14 points in his first start of the season including four three-pointers in place of the injured Palmer Jakey.
In addition to leading the team in scoring, James Phillips led Prairie in rebounds with 10 to give him a double-double to go along with four steals.
Defense was the key in the final period for Prairie getting the lead back.
Fort Vancouver only made one field goal in the fourth quarter but went 9-for-10 from the free-throw line.
Phillips hit a free-throw with 12 seconds left to give Prairie a one point lead.
They were able to survive a final attempt from Eisenhunt who missed the would-be game-winner at the buzzer.
Prairie advances to the district final against Columbia River at 8 p.m. Friday night at Hudson’s Bay High School.
PRAIRIE 54, FORT VANCOUVER 53
FORT VANCOUVER — Jacob Brugman 0, Begalabo 2, Will Doty 3, Tre Eisenhut 32, Jacob Howard 0, Malachi King 1, Jordan Suell 6, Nate Harris 9. Totals 15(7) 16-20 53.
PRAIRIE — Palmer Goecke 0, Jacob Davidson 2, Michael Stockbridge 14, Cameron Papworth 2, James Phillips 16, Greg Bernash 4, Ronnie McPherson 13. Totals 18(5) 13-21 54.
Fort Vanc. 2 18 22 11–53
Prairie 15 13 13 13–54
