On Friday the Vashon boys basketball team took a loss to league-leader Life Christian, 56-72, in a game on the Pirates’ home court.
The Monday before, on Dec. 12, an away game against Auburn Adventist was canceled when the power to the school’s gym unexpectedly went out.
The Pirates started the game against Life Christian strong, with tough defense and good shooting. But after a 12-point run by Life Christian, helped by eight Pirate turnovers in the second period, Life Christian led 37-25 at the half.
Vashon got help from the bench in the third period with timely three-pointers by Peter Amick and Ian Stewart to get back into it.
Dan Lofland, on his way to a 19-point game, made some nice drives to the basket for points and scored a three-point shot.
Stewart hit a shot for two at the buzzer, and Vashon was down by just six at the end of the third period, 51-45.
Life Christian, however, took advantage of Pirate mistakes, hitting most of its free-throw opportunities, scoring on turnovers and out-rebounding the Pirates to stay in control for most of the game.
The Pirate intensity picked up as they mounted a comeback in the fourth period, beginning with great effort by Jesse Hazzard, who scored on a layup and was fouled. Hazzard missed his free throw, but brought the Pirates to within five points. Stewart then hit another three-pointer to bring the score to 53-50.
With two minutes left in the game and the Pirates behind 56-52, momentum was in the Pirates’ favor and each team scored again.
Ben Whitaker, who had 11 points on the night, hit a three-pointer with 48 seconds left to bring the Pirates to within three points.
With possession of the ball, Life Christian was fouled and made both shots. The Pirates last possession ended with no points, leaving the final score at 62-57.
The Pirates will play a few games over winter break. They will play at Auburn Adventist on Dec. 21, at home against Steilacoom on Dec. 22 and at the SunDome ShootOut in Yakima Dec. 29 to 30.
— Brian Brenno is the father of a Pirate basketball player.
