THE DALLES — The Dalles High’s boys basketball team overcame a nine-point, fourth-quarter deficit to force overtime Jan. 29 at Estacada, but the Rangers prevailed in the extra period of the physical Tri-Valley Conference game, 81-72.
Calder Morrison and Oliver Stevens fueled the late run by The Dalles, which slipped to 1-2 in league play and 9-10 overall after the loss. Stevens, who finished with 27 points — 19 in the second half — nailed a deep three-pointer from the right wing to pull the Riverhawks within 62-57 in the final period. The margin was four points after Morrison fed fellow senior Hudson Case with a give-and-go pass.
At the other end, Case forced an Estacada turnover by taking a charge — which was indicative of a heightened Riverhawk defensive effort in the final period. Morrison made a three-pointer from the top of the key to pull The Dalles within 64-62 with 1:11 remaining in regulation. The co-captain nailed another from long range off a feed from Stevens to tie the contest at 65 with 30 seconds left.
Each team had a possession in the final half minute, but neither could convert. Estacada never trailed in the extra four-minute period after Davin Olson opened the scoring with a thee-pointer from the right corner. Stevens sliced his way to the basket to pull The Dalles within 74-72 with 1:41 on the clock, but Estacada scored the game’s final seven points.
The Rangers — who snapped a four-game losing streak with the win — were led by Paul Ables, who scored 22 points, including seven in overtime. Teammate Gavin Gates added 19. Joining Stevens in double-figure scoring for The Dalles were Morrison with 14 and Reese Kenslow with 12.
The Riverhawks were scheduled to host senior-laden Molalla (16-2, 2-1), the second-ranked Class 4A team at Kurtz Gym on Feb. 3. The Indians’ losses have been to Madras in league play and a non-league game at Tillamook.
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