by MICHAEL DASHIELL
Sequim Gazette
Leave it to the hometown favorite to get the Pirates back on course.
The No. 3-ranked Peninsula men’s hoops team trailed much of the game until reserve Antonio Stevenson came off the bench to drain back-to-back 3-pointers and help lead P.C. to a 75-65 victory against Edmonds on Saturday night.
The triples were the only scores for Stevenson, a Port Angeles High grad, but it was enough to spur the Pirates past the upset-minded Tritons and back into second place in the competitive NWAACC North Division.
J.T. Terrell led all scorers with 20, including a reverse dunk late in the first half. DeShaun Freeman had a double-double with 14 points, 12 rebounds and added two blocks, Sam Waller scored 13 points, Dudley Ewell added 10 points and Tyler Funk distributed six assists.
The Peninsula men (9-3 in conference play, 19-4 overall) out-rebounded the Tritons 49-30, helping them overcome 21 turnovers.
The Pirates have just two home games remaining, including a Wednesday, Feb. 15, match-up with NWAACC North cellar-dweller Everett. Peninsula then has road dates at Shoreline on Feb. 20 and at Olympic (Bremerton) on Feb. 22 before closing out the regular season Feb. 25 at home against rival Bellevue.
Whatcom holds off Pirates
Nothing in this division is easy — particularly road swings to the north.
The Whatcom Orcas gave up a first-half lead before getting Peninsula’s big men in foul trouble and rallying for an 88-80 win in Bellingham on Feb. 8.
Evan Coulter had 24 points and 16 rebounds, Pat Voeut added 20 points and the Orcas forced 17 Pirate turnovers for the win.
Terrell led Peninsula with 18 points while Peninsula’s bigs — Freeman and Corey Clement — both had 14 points despite battling foul trouble. Daniel Sims added a season-high five assists.
“We didn’t do the things necessary to get the win,” Pirate coach Lance Von Vogt said. “We’ve got some growing up to do.”
The win gives Whatcom a regular season sweep; the Orcas topped P.C. 74-71 in Port Angeles on Jan. 11.
Reach Michael Dashiell at miked@sequimgazette.com.
