Battle tested
<p>Polson's Cedric Earthboy splits two defenders on his way to the rack in a game played earlier this season. </p>
NW-A CONFERENCE - Looking at the loss column, it would be easy to conclude that the Polson Pirates had a disappointing weekend heading into next weeks Northwestern A Divisional Tournament. But considering playing two road games against the top two teams in their conference and playing without their leading scorer and leading rebounder, Polson showed they’ll need to be taken seriously heading into the divisional tournament.
“We played pretty well,” said Polson coach Brad Pluff. “Our kids competed well and we had our chances.”
The Pirates certainly had their chances against Columbia Falls and were in a position to win the game. With possession of the ball and trailing by four with just over a minute to go, the Pirates just couldn’t get over the last hump and let a tremendous opportunity slip away, falling 67-56.
“We have a bunch of young players and with our senior Riley Sampson out, we’re having a tough time finishing games,” said Coach Pluff.
The Pirates hung tough against the division leading Wildcats and were only outscored 51-47 after the first. But Polson’s typical slow first quarter starts put them in a 16-9 hole and they were left battling back the rest of the game.
The Pirates did a quality job at the line against Columbia Falls; shooting 11 for 17, but Polson’s other Achilles heal – turnovers – unfortunately spelled their doom. The Pirates committed 21 turnovers against the Wildcats Thursday, which not only took away offensive opportunities for Polson, it created easy fast-break chances for the Wildcats.
Polson was able to keep it close thanks to sophomore sensation Derek Peel. Peel has been a surprise for the Pirates, giving them a much needed outside threat to complement their inside attack. Peel netted seven of his 11 3-point attempts and finished with a game and career high 24 points.
“He can flat out shoot the ball,” said Coach Pluff. Columbia falls is stubborn and likes to stay in their 1-3-1 zone, we know that [Peel] would have his opportunities and he hit his shots.”
The sophomore has been a surprise for the Pirates and he’ll definitely be a factor in his next two years, as this young Pirates ball club continues to improve. Senior Hayden Congdon also turned in a strong performance with15 points and Cedric Smith put in 10. With senior leader Riley Sampson availability still in question, the Pirates will need strong contribution from Peel and others if they expect to advance in tournament play.
The Pirates second test would come on Saturday when they faced the second place Bulldogs in Whitefish. Again, Polson hung strong on the road and lead Whitefish 17-13 after one. But 18 turnovers and a dreadful 9-21 from the foul line eventually turned a one point fourth quarter lead, into a 54-46 defeat. What is such a hard pill to swallow for the Pirates is that the eight-point loss could have been rectified with something that comes free - better foul shooting. Getting to the line 21 times and only shooting just under 43 percent is detrimental to any team, especially the underdog.
“You have to play better ball than that to beat these tough teams,” said Coach Pluff, a tune that he’s been singing all year.
Polson’s Smith finished with a game high 23 points, but also had 7 turnovers, which is a testament to Smith constantly having to make plays in the absence of Sampson. Players like Peel – who only scored two in the loss – and Congdon – eight points – need to show up every game in order for Polson to win at the divisional tournament.
Polson, 1-7, 6-12, will face the Libby Loggers Thursday in Ronan. The two teams split a pair of head-to-heads in the regular season and Thursday’s game will sure to be an intense. But considering the Pirates valiant effort against the divisions top two teams, Coach Pluff and the Pirates like their chances. Polson’s leader Sampson’s return is still in question, but signs are the senior won’t let one of his last chances at high school hoops pass him by.
“[Sampson] practiced [Monday] and he ran around a little on [his ankle] and he hopes to be ready to go [for Thursday’s game],” said Coach Pluff. “If not, Haydon’s doing a good job for us, overall I like our chances, we’re going to be a tough out in the tournament.”