Columbia River freshman Jacob Hjort says he is confident at all times because he works so hard on his game.
So even if he misses a few shots, he believes the next one is going to be true.
Hjort made his team’s final shot Thursday night, and that 3-pointer kept Columbia River in a tie for first place in the Class 3A Greater St. Helens League boys basketball standings.
Hjort’s 3-pointer with seven seconds in the game gave Columbia River a 42-40 victory over the Prairie Falcons.
“It was designed to go inside,” Hjort said. “But if it wasn’t there, get it out to me.”
Hjort thanked his teammates for believing in him.
“It feels good having the guys behind me, trusting my shot and every decision I make,” Hjort said.
Joey Bean made four 3-pointers and led the Chieftains with 16 points as River (14-4, 3-1 GSHL) remained in a tie for first place with Kelso. Hjort finished with seven points, including two 3-pointers in the second half. Nathan Hawthorne also had seven points for River.
The Chieftains held Prairie scoreless over the final 2 minutes and 10 seconds, forcing two turnovers and two missed shots.
Prairie’s final shot to try to send the game into overtime hit rim off the backboard.
Seth Hall led the Falcons with 16 points. Greg Bernash had 10 points on 5-of-5 shooting, plus 11 rebounds for Prairie.
Bernash’s blocked shot started a Prairie possession that ended with Michael Stockbridge’s jumper to make it 40-39 with 2:10 remaining. Defenses prevailed from there until Hjort’s shot.
Columbia River made seven 3-pointers in the first half to take a 27-20 lead. Prairie got the deficit down to one point after three quarters. Then there were four lead changes in the fourth quarter.
COLUMBIA RIVER 42, PRAIRIE 40
COLUMBIA RIVER — Nathan Hawthorne 7, Joey Bean 16, Andrew Vickers 6, Spencer Long 6, Chad Pedigo 0, Jacob Hjort 7. Totals 13-41 (10-31) 6-9 42.
PRAIRIE — Palmer Goecke 2, Michael Stockbridge 5, Seth Hall 16, Greg Bernash 10, Dwayne Stewart 2, Jacob Davidson 5, Walker Hausherr 0, Koy Osborn 0, Brandon Crosby 0. Totals 15-39 (2-13) 8-11 40.
Columbia River 15 12 7 8—42
Prairie 11 9 13 7—40
