Trailing by 10 points twice in the third quarter, the Hood River Valley girls basketball team methodically whittled away at the deficit and won its first game Saturday afternoon, 45-41 at Crook County in Prineville.
The Eagles completed their comeback for the win despite having leading scorer Marina Castaneda and fellow starter Ryann Rosselle on the bench — both having fouled out in the final period.
Rosselle was notable at both ends of the court. “One key was how well Ryann Rosselle played defensively,” Coach Steve Noteboom said. “She was guarding (Katelynn) Weaver, who I feel is going to be an all-state player this year. She held her to nine points. That was key for us.”
The host Cowgirls closed out the first half with a 7-0 run to seemingly take control of the game, leading 27-18 at the break. But Noteboom settled down his team at intermission and the Eagles battled back. Abby Schrankel nailed a 3-pointer 10 seconds into the third period and the comeback was on.
Megan Griggs added two free throws, Castaneda went 4-for-4 from the line and Julia Rowan made a corner 3-pointer and the Cowgirl lead was 34-32. Castaneda’s putback closed the third quarter scoring with Crook County clinging to a 35-34 lead.
Griggs assisted on the next two HRV baskets: She found Castaneda on a cut through the middle and later grabbed an offensive rebound and hit Rosselle at the top of the key for a 3-pointer. The trey left the Eagles in front 40-35.
But Castaneda fouled out moments later and Rosselle soon joined her on the bench and Crook County took advantage, tying the game on a Weaver basket, 40-40, with less than three minutes remaining.
“When they went out, I thought ‘Oh geez,'” Noteboom said. “But they (the team) stuck with it.”
Schrankel was clutch at the foul line, twice converting one-and-ones, the second of which gave the Eagles a 44-41 lead with 22 seconds on the clock. Rowan added one of two free throws to make the score final.
The Eagles opened their season Friday against Eagle Point at the Crook County tourney, losing 47-29. “We just came out with low energy,” Noteboom said. “Really, Crook County is a way better team (than Eagle Point). We just turned the ball over and Marina fouled out. She only played like 16 minutes in that game. Megan also fouled out that first night.”
Noteboom expects low energy level won’t be an issue this week, when the Eagles host Gorge rival The Dalles on Friday at 6:30 p.m. (see related story this issue).
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