WASHOUGAL — There were 13 lead changes in the first half. Two more to begin the third quarter. Then no more.
The Washougal boys basketball team figured something out, took the lead for good, and just extended the advantage throughout the fourth quarter of its Class 2A Greater St. Helens League game Tuesday night against Woodland.
Noah Prangley scored 21 points, Yorro Bah keyed the defense, Collin Prangely ruled the fourth quarter, and Washougal topped Woodland 48-37.
"We had to step up on our defense, and we did," Noah Prangley said. "We covered everyone we had to, and everyone helped. We also didn't panic with the ball."
The Panthers' defense forced Woodland to 3-of-14 shooting in the fourth quarter. The Beavers finished the contest 1 for 16 from 3-point range.
"They didn't make shots that they normally make," Washougal coach Malcolm Estes said. "I think that had a lot to do with our guys defensively, especially Yorro Bah."
Bah, who also scored seven points, picked up the Woodland offense as soon as the ball crossed half court. Estes said that gave the Beavers some fits.
"Our kids locked down on them," Estes said. "Yorro is our key on defense, and Noah is our key on offense."
Noah Prangley was 6 of 14 from the floor and 8 of 9 from the line for his 21 points.
"Moving the ball and just playing as a team," Prangley said. "That's always our keys.
"I think we can go a long ways if we keep on playing together."
The Panthers (10-1, 3-0 in the 2A GSHL) have continued winning without second-leading scorer Ryan Taylor, who had surgery on a lung a couple weeks ago. He said he hopes to be back in a week or so.
"He's going to work his way back into it, and we're going to be that much stronger," Prangley said.
The Panthers had plenty of muscle in this one, attacking the basket and getting a huge advantage at the line. Washougal was 19 of 30 on free throws; Woodland was 2 for 5.
Washougal took the lead for good at 23-22 early in the third quarter. Woodland stayed close all the way until the final two minutes of the game, but Collin Prangley provided the spark for the Panthers to maintain and extend the lead.
A sophomore, he scored all nine of his points during clutch time.
"He played like he was a senior," Estes said. "He played like he belonged out there."
Now the Beavers (7-3, 1-2) are feeling some pressure.
"From here on out, they're all important," Woodland coach Jason Buffum said. "From here on out, it's kind of like mini-playoff games to get to the postseason."
He said he is confident his team will not miss as many shots as it did Tuesday.
"Tough to win a game on the road when you shoot that poorly and turn the ball over that many times," Buffum said. "They play good defense. They grind you."
Jake Rosenbalm led Woodland with nine points and five assists. Tanner Froeber had seven points. Tanner Sixberry had seven rebounds and six points for the Beavers.
WASHOUGAL 48, WOODLAND 37
WOODLAND — Bryce Mulder 6, Tanner Froeber 7, Ryan Sturdivan 3, Jake Rosenbalm 9, Troy Flanagan 6, Dillon Bonamigo-Wear 0, Tanner Sixberry 6, Hayden Huddleston 0. Totals 17-43 (1-16) 2-5 37.
WASHOUGAL — Yorro Bah 7, Dylan Snapp 0, Daniel Davis 7, Noah Prangley 21, Spencer Adams 2, Collin Prangley 9, Josh Bischoff 2, Robert Gehrke 0. Totals 14-37 (1-6) 19-30 48.
Woodland 8 10 12 7—37
Washougal 12 7 13 16—48
