After a 32-15 halftime lead dwindled to a single point midway through the fourth quarter, the Hilanders stepped to the line to put away the surging Falcons.
Kelso was 11 of 13 from the free throw line in the final period, finishing 17 of 20 for the game.
Prairie had possession with the opportunity to take a lead in the final period, but was unable to capitalize.
“We were down 17 at half, made a great run in the third quarter and cut the game from 17 down to a 1-point Kelso lead with four minutes to play,” Prairie coach Kyle Brooks said. “We just could not get over the hump to get the win. The kids did a fabulous job fighting back.”
Palmer Goecke scored a game-high 20 points and Greg Bernash tallied 17 of his 19 in the second half for the Falcons (5-9, 0-2 Class 3A Greater St. Helens League), who made eight three-pointers.
Nate Solomon was 6 of 6 from the line and led the Hilanders with 19 points.
KELSO 63, PRAIRIE 57
PRAIRIE — Jacob Davidson 0, Palmer Goecke 20, Koy Osborn 3, Michael Stockbridge 9, Seth Hall 5, Ethan Rouse 0, Walker Hausherr 0, Brandon Crosby 1, Greg Bernash 19, Dwayne Stewart 0. Totals 21 (8) 7-11 57.
KELSO — Mike Pierce 10, Blake Hampton 11, Xavier Parker-Mendez 8, Nate Solomon 19, Jared Bowlby 12, Zach Groves 1, Quinton McDaniel , Zak Schueller 2. Totals 21 (4) 17-20 63.
Prairie 11 4 20 22—57
Kelso 19 13 8 23—63
JV — Prairie won, 46-42.
C — Prairie won in overtime.
