The Rural Basketball League was in McDermitt on Saturday, Feb. 9. Everyone started off the day traversing some gnarly roadways and if that wasn't gut wrenching enough, the close games and defeats that were handed out while in the gym definitely kept spectators on their toes.
In a Division 1 game, Orovada took on Denio/Fields and at the buzzzer, Orovada took the 25-24 win.
Ayden Gomez from Orovada scored seven of their 25 points with free throw shots. Denio/Fields fouled into the double bonus the first half and racked up another six in the second. Gomez added to those with five more two-point shots. Jacob Miller also scored three additional points for Orovada through free throws and an additional 2-point shot. Little Ava Frey scored a free throw and Walker Smith made a 2 point shot in the third quarter.
Kort Summers from Denio/Fields scored 13 of their 24 points with six shots and a free throw. Blake Powers scored an additional seven points for their team with MattieRose Johnson and Caden Montero adding the other two shots for a total of 24.
In the other Division 1 game, McDermitt knocked off Kings River 26-22. This was a close game right up the very end.
Clay Harney and Warrick Crutcher both moved up from the Division 2 White team and they were not intimidated by the older player in the least. Warrick sunk two 3-pointers during the third quarter along with two more two point shots for a total of 10. Harney also made a 3-point shot and two 2-point shots for a total of seven. Akota Smart scored two, A.J made a free throw for one and Rylee Wilkinson drained four free throws and a 2-point shot for six.
Kings River played phenomenal defense. They had only six players and showed true heart and dedication. Hannah Thompson scored two free throw shots for two points. Cody Allen sank four of his seven free throw shots for four. Esmeralda Gomez lead the boards with eight, although she took a couple rough tumbles, she managed to drive in for several nice lay-ins and played throughout the entire game with stamina and an evident desire to win. Nate Thompson scored three shots himself coupled with two free throws for a total of eight points. Although Yarlett didn't put points on the score board, she rebounded and played tough defense.
In Division action, Denio/Fields dropped its game to Kings River/Orovada 44-12.
Denio/Fields had some great little ball handlers and yet today was not their day. Bergen Hagbom (7), Maddox Norris (3) and Matti DeLong (2) all put shots up that counted as noted next to their names.
But Kings River/Orovada was on fire and they worked together so that every single player on their team made a basket to call their own.
They had one little talk with the ref, for showboating which resulted in a technical foul, but all was handled well and lessons were learned. Cody Allen was the high-point scorer with 23 points. His little brother, Colton, scored three, Isaac Warner sunk two free throws and made another 2-point shot for four points. Colton Elam had six points, Robert Depaoli eight and Hazen Root 2. Misael Miranda was not at today's game It was great to see them work together and include everyone in their success. Good job coach.
In more Division 2 action, McDermitt Blue beat McDermitt White 17-16 to claim the No. 1 spot.
Stephen Brown scored four free throw shots for McDermitt Blue, Sam Tobey also put in a 2-point sho and Aiden Teeman with six, also helped out by two free throw shots put in by Treal Scott and two points by Bryson Hunter.
Dylan Palmer on McDermitt White scored four shots for eight points. Everr Crutcher also sank two baskets for four points, with the help of Ebony Crutcher (two), Melissa Hunter (two) and Serenja Crutcher (one). McDermitt Blue had eight fouls in the second half enabling McDermitt White to close the gap a bit, but not enough to take the win away from them.
