Indians defeat Ocosta for first victory
By GEORGE KUNKE
South Bend earned its first victory of the season in boy’s basketball with a 54-53 win over Ocosta Saturday night in Westport.
"It was nice to see the kids pick up their first win of the season against a good Ocosta team,” South Bend HS Head Boys’ Coach Tom Betrozoff told the Herald. “I thought it was a nice team effort, everyone who played contributed.”
The Indians mounted a solid fourth quarter comeback to notch the win, trailed 44-36 after three quarters. South Bend took the lead with about a minute to play and Ocosta missed a potential game-winning shot in the closing seconds.
“Freshman Tyson Johnson (8 pts) hit a big three with under a minute remaining to tie the game at 52,” Betrozoff noted.
Sophomore Justin Elliott registered a double-double with 15 points and 10 rebounds and Miles Davis, another soph, scored 16 points and dished out nine assists. Elliott scored nine points in the fourth quarter.
“Hopefully this will give us a little confidence and we can progress from here,” Betrozoff added.
Ocosta was in front 18-12 after one quarter and 29-21 at halftime. Both teams scored 15 points in the third panel. The young Indians outscored Ocosta 18-9 in the fourth quarter.
South Bend shot well from the floor at 43 percent on 21 of 49, while OHS was at 36 percent (20 of 56). The Tribe sank 6 of 10 foul shots compared to 8 of 16 for the Wildcats (8-9 and 4-6).
The Indians (1-16 overall and 1-8 in the Pacific League) hosted North Beach last night on Senior Night. The Tribe visits Willapa Valley Friday and Naselle Tuesday (Jan. 29).