 "Photo: Ted Copeland/ The Olympian")
After starting off the season 0-8 in league play, and losing some very close games, the OC men’s basketball team has finally turned their game around and came up with some wins.
On Jan. 27 the Rangers traveled to Bellingham to face the second place Whatcom Orcas.
While the Rangers were down by 16 at the end of the first half, in the second half the Rangers picked up their game and came to within four, but lost the game: 89-93.
The Rangers lone returning player Dietrich Rios led the way for the Rangers scoring 22 points and also added seven rebounds.
After playing a well fought game against the tough Whatcom team the Rangers were confident hosting the rival Peninsula Pirates. Although the Rangers struggled with rebounds, a reoccurring theme for the Rangers this season, four players scored in double figures including 15 from Rios, 12 from Andre Moore, Isaiah Thompson added 19 and Cartiea French-Toney scored 18.
The Rangers also stepped up on defense, limiting Peninsula’s Ryan Rutherford to just 12 points, the last time he faced the Rangers he scored over 40.
With the good team play on offense and defense the Rangers defeated Peninsula 74-70 and gave the Rangers their first win in season play.
“We have been more consistent,” said Thompson. “We played hard beginning to end, when before we had trouble finishing.”
After the much needed Peninsula win, the Rangers brought that momentum with them against Everett Community College. The Rangers played a great game, finally having a good rebounding game out rebounding Everett 51-41.
The Rangers were led by a monstrous game from Thompson who scored a season high 35 points and also added 14 rebounds. Ary Webb also added 17 points.
With the effort of Thompson and the team stepping up with rebounds, as well as shooting an above average 75 percent from the free throw line the Rangers picked up their second straight win with a 94-89 win.
“Again we were consistent,” said Thompson. “Our rebounding and free throws are also definetly getting better.”
Although the Rangers had momentum on their side they were no match for the first place Shoreline team.
The Rangers went back to their old ways and were out rebounded 32-59. French-Toney led the way for the Rangers scoring 17 and grabbing nine boards, but Shoreline still defeated the Rangers 97-72.
The Rangers host Bellevue Community College Wednesday and then on the Feb. 17 host Skagit Valley. The Rangers then travel to Seattle Feb.20.
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