The Lakewood Cougars won for the fifth time in their last six games, with a 65-55 victory over Bellingham, Monday night on the Bayhawk’s floor.
It was a struggle for the Cougars, as the taller Bayhawks feasted on the offensive glass for more than two quarters, converting on second and third chance opportunities. The Cougars were also inaccurate from the field, especially from beyond the arc, but did end up hitting seven 3-pointers on the night.
The game was tied at 20-20 in the middle of the second quarter, until Cougar sophomore forward Caleb Greenland, took things into his own hands. Greenland scored ten straight points for the Cougars, with two 3-pointers sandwiched around a put-back of his own miss, and a 15-foot jumper. He had 13 points by halftime, as the Cougars led 34-28.
Bellingham sophomore forward Joe Harward sparked the Bayhawks in the second half, scoring 10 of his 16 points, as he worked hard to score inside. The Bayhawks could get no closer than six points in the final period, as the Cougars, for the game, shot an incredible 20-21 at the free throw line.
Ben Rucker survived a cold shooting night, while still scoring 17 points for the Cougars. Rucker was 8-8 from the free throw line, while Greenland went 8-9.
With the win, the Cougars (6-4/9-6) jumped over Bellingham (6-4/8-7) and into fourth place in the District 1 RPI. Bellingham slipped to fifth.
The Cougars will host Oak Harbor on Thursday, while the Bayhawks will travel up the hill to take on Squalicum on Saturday.
~ Ted House
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