Andrew Vickers scored 15 of his 23 points in the second half to lead Columbia River boys basketball team, but it was a couple of role players who sparked the Chieftains to a 68-56 victory over rival Skyview in a non-league game Friday.
Nathan Hockhalter and Jameel Morton came off the bench, stopped Skyview’s momentum in the second quarter, and that allowed for the River offense to get going in the second half.
The Storm’s defensive pressure frustrated Columbia River in the early going, and the Storm raced out to a 24-13 lead.
Hockhalter scored all six of his points and Morton hit a 3-pointer during an 11-0 run to tie it by halftime.
“I know I’m not one of the top-three guys or the fourth option,” Morton said. “I can come off the bench and play great defense. I can run the floor well.”
He also had two steals during that pivotal stretch. Hockhalter, meanwhile, specializes in offensive rebounds.
“My goal is to work hard on rebounding and play defense, and score when I’m needed” Hockhalter said. “Most of my points come off offensive rebounds.”
With those guys doing their jobs in the second quarter, the River starters got in a groove in the second half.
There were nine lead changes in the third quarter. Skyview’s Mason Scheidel hit a half-court shot at the quarter horn.
His 3-pointer with 7 minutes to play in the fourth quarter tied the game 47-47. But the Chieftains scored the next nine points and never trailed again.
Vickers was 10 for 13 from the line. He also had five assists and a game-high 12 rebounds for River.
Jacob Hjort scored 11 points for the Chieftains. Spencer Long scored all nine of his points in the second half.
COLUMBIA RIVER 68, SKYVIEW 56
COLUMBIA RIVER (3-2) — Kyle Winborne 0, Jordan Hall 6, Andrew Vickers 23, Jameel Morton 5, Jacob Hjort 11, Nathan Hockhalter 6, Spencer Long 9, Spencer Black 8, Logan Hamilton 0, Nasseen Gutierrez 0, Corey Mc Arthur 0. Totals 21 (6) 20-26 68.
SKYVIEW (1-2) — Alex Schumacher 3, Jason Chaney 10, Travis Yajko 0, Mason Scheidel 14, David Tommasini 9, Jovon Sewell 5, KB Fesehazion 0, Taylor Harbertson 9, Levi Nickelson 2, Zack Dutcher 0, Skyler Martin 4, Aiden Keser 0. Totals 21 (11) 3-6 56.
C. River 11 13 20 24–68
Skyview 18 6 16 16–56
