Peninsula cruises to win past Everett

by RYAN HUETER

The Buccaneer

Peninsula College

The Pirates have found the right blend of aggressive play-making, disciplined defense and ball control.

The Peninsula College men’s basketball team downed the Everett Trojans, 90-62, in an NWAACC North Division matchup Jan. 22.

The victory marked the fourth division win in a row for Peninsula since an 86-72 loss to then division-leading Skagit Valley on Jan. 12, and their 10th win in the past 12 games, a run started by edging Centralia 58-56 more than a month ago.

The win gives the Pirates (6-1 in division, 11-5 overall) a one-game lead over Skagit Valley in the division standings.

On 56-percent shooting success from the field, Peninsula sprinted to a 41-26 advantage over the Trojans (2-4 in division, 2-11 overall) after 20 minutes of play.

“Our depth off the bench really decided the game versus Everett as we played 11 guys over 11 minutes each,” said Peninsula coach Lance Von Vogt. “With fresh bodies coming off the bench in waves, it allowed our team to continually stretch the lead.”

The Pirates did not ease up in the second half; instead they netted 49 points in the second period and put Everett out of reach.

“Any time you have a lead, the idea is to extend it,” Von Vogt said. “Against Everett, we were able to do that.”

DeShaun Freeman paced the Pirates with 20 points and 12 rebounds. Thad Vinson added 19 scores.

Trevant Musgrow came off the bench to score 11 of 34 reserve points for Peninsula. Aaron Matzen led Everett, scoring 14 points and blocking two shots while Daniel Wruble netted 10 buckets to go along with five rebounds and three assists.

The Pirates next face the Shoreline Dolphins (3-3 in division, 10-6 overall) at 7 p.m. today, Jan. 26, in Port Angeles.

NWAACC North division standings

(as of Jan. 24)

Team Lg. Over.

Peninsula 6-1 11-5

Skagit Valley 5-1 7-8

Bellevue 4-2 9-6

Whatcom 4-2 12-3

Shoreline 3-3 10-6

Seattle 3-4 4-11

Everett 2-4 2-11

Edmonds 1-5 3-11