The Nooksack Valley Pioneers are still alive and will battle for the second berth to the 1A State Tournament, as they eliminated the Mount Baker Mountaineers, 66-47, Saturday, at Lynden High School.
The Pioneers grew the lead as the game went along, dominating in the key area, as junior post Brady Ackerman, and junior forward Colton Lentz, were powers inside. Ackerman scored 18 points and Lentz 16. Lentz was everywhere on the floor, with his hands in about everything the Pioneers accomplished.
The Mountaineers fought hard for 32 minutes and finished the season showing great improvement over their 23 games, which included just four wins.
Mountaineer junior forward Darius Gilstrap scored nine of his team-high 18 points in the fourth quarter. Sophomore Carter Hill had eight points, while junior Luke Smith and freshman Kell Reardon had seven points each.
The Pioneers spread the wealth around with eight players scoring in the first half, as they built a 38-25 lead. The difference reached more than 20 points late in the fourth quarter.
The Pioneers await the loser of today’s championship game between Meridian and Lynden Christian for the second berth to state. Today’s winner is assured a state tournament berth.
~ Ted House
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