Spencer Long scored 23 points and Jacob Hjort 14 as the Columbia River boys basketball team defeated Pocatello 54-49 Saturday in the third-place game at the Centennial New Years Bash at Caldwell, Idaho.
Columbia River (6-3) didn’t get a lead in game until the second half when its defense tightened.
“Our defensive effort was better in the second half,” River coach David Long said. “(Pocatello) didn’t get good looks at the hoop.”
The Chieftains also made a defensive switch, putting Andrew Vickers on Pocatello’s top scorer in the fourth quarter and holding him to two points during that time.
Hjort was 8 for 9 from the free-throw line and 4 for 5 when Pocatello was forced to foul. Spencer Long also made two free throws to help close it out.
CENTENNIAL NEW YEARS BASH
At Caldwell, Idaho
COLUMBIA RIVER 54, POCATELLO 49
COLUMBIA RIVER (6-3) — Kyle Winborne 0, Jordan Hall 0, Andrew Vickers 6, Jameel Morton 5, Jacob Hjort 14, Nathan Hockhalter 2, Spencer Long 23, Spencer Black 4. Totals 18 (4) 14-18 54.
POCATELLO — Jensen 2, Nielson 3, Garden 7, Brown 20, Keller 1, Kindle 6, Holt 2, Larken-Tea 2, Kampworth 4. Totals 17 (5) 8-12 47.
Columbia River 14 11 15 14–54
Pocatello 11 18 9 9–49
