Sir Washington powers Western boys past Sierra Vista
Sir Washington thinks Western’s boys basketball team has a chance to run its record to 15-0 heading into a game at Bishop Gorman on Jan. 4.
The sophomore forward helped the Warriors take a huge step in that direction Wednesday night.
Washington scored 15 of his 27 points in the fourth quarter to help Western pull away for an 87-70 Southwest League win at Sierra Vista.
“It’s a big win. We’re trying to get to 15-0 before we go to Gorman,” Washington said. “We just came out here and worked hard.”
Western (9-0, 2-0) jumped to an early 18-6 advantage and led the rest of the way.
Sierra Vista (2-1, 1-1) used a 28-17 run to pull within 57-53 early in the fourth quarter, but the Warriors scored eight consecutive points to regain momentum.
“Our coach told us to calm down and just do what we do,” said Washington, who finished with 27 points, 10 rebounds and three assists. “We just listened to the coach, calmed down and did it.”
Western’s Kentrell Washington sank 11 of 14 free throws on his way to 25 points.
“Kentrell’s free-throw shooting was excellent,” Warriors coach Chip Nelson said. “It’s something he’s been struggling with this year, so it was great to see him step up and hit some of those shots.”
Aaron Buckley had 15 points and two blocked shots for Western, and teammate Kenyon Washington supplied 10 points and 13 rebounds.
Nelson was ecstatic to see his team ace its biggest test of the season, on the road against an opponent with five starters back from last year.
“We came out here tonight and said, 'If we want to finish first or second in (league), we’ve got to get through Sierra Vista,’” Nelson said. “They’re one of the toughest teams. Playing them at their home and getting a win is great.”
Senior guard Maiscei Grier led Sierra Vista with 28 points, including nine in a span of two minutes as the Mountain Lions rallied in the third quarter.
Viko Noma’aea (12 points) and Xavier Rogers (11) also scored in double figures for Sierra Vista, which made only 1 of 9 3-pointers in the first half and 5 of 21 in the game.
