The Falcons built a big lead in the first quarter that nearly evaporated over the next two periods, then fended off the Trappers to advance to the Class 3A Greater St. Helens League tournament semifinals.
Ryan Denny was 10 of 10 at the line and made three of his team’s five 3-pointers, finishing with 27 points to lead Prairie (16-5). Nathan Cherzan added 10 points.
“The difference in the game was we had a run early,” Prairie coach Kyle Brooks said. “They had a great third quarter.”
Fort Vancouver (9-13) got within two points, but could not overcome a 20-7 deficit after the first quarter. Deonte Hawkins and Loris Hervey led the Trappers with eight points each.
Prairie takes a five-game winning streak into the semifinals against Mountain View at 7:30 p.m. Thursday at FVHS.
As the No. 4 seed into the bi-district tournament, the Trappers next play at 6 p.m. on Feb. 14 at Franklin Pierce High School in Tacoma against the No. 2 entry from the Narrows League.
The 12-team bi-district tournament is double-elimination to determine six Class 3A regional tournament berths.
PRAIRIE 53, FORT VANCOUVER 39
FORT VANCOUVER (9-13) — Sean Lennon 0, Loris Hervey 8, Mario Eyler 6, K-Last Karue 5, Isaiah Miller 3, Deonte Hawkins 8, Jordan Howard 4, Quinton Whitfield 5. Totals 10 (3) 16-25 39.
PRAIRIE (16-5) — Colton Prestwich 0, Reece Burnett 2, JaMariay McDonald 0, Preston Brooks 7, Ryan Denny 27, Andy Hak 7, Dane Brooks 0, Nathan Cherzan 10. Totals 17 (5) 14-20 53.
