Wallace wins a nail-biter

Wallace 59, Clark Fork 55

CLARK FORK — Senior Stefan Norris scored a game-high 19 points to lead the Wallace Miners past Clark Fork 59-55 in a North Star League boys basketball barn-burner Thursday night.

After an even first half that ended in a 26-26 tie, both teams continued to match each other point for point in the third period.

"I was pleased and I think we made some steps in the right direction," said Clark Fork coach Jamie Hand. "(Mike) Martin stepped up and made some shots tonight. And even though Hewitt got into foul trouble in the second quarter, we still hung in there."

In the fourth, Wallace (5-10) with some help from senior Paul Norris, who finished with 14 points, edged the Wampus Cats in the closing minutes.

"We didn't do a good job of shutting down (John) Keener and (John) Heiser," said Hand, referring to the duo who accounted for an additional 20 points.

Senior Clayton Hewitt led the Wampus Cats with 15 points and 16 rebounds. Martin added 14 points and five assists, while junior Brian Young finished with seven assists and seven points.

"We came ready to play tonight and that's all you can ask," said Hand.

Clark Fork (4-8) travels to play Lakeside and Wallace heads to Harrison to face Kootenai today.

Wallace 7 19 18 15 — 59

Clark Fork 10 16 18 11 — 55

WALLACE — Bartel 0, Hartmann 0, Heiser 9, Keener 11, P. Norris 14, S. Norris 19, T. Norris 4.

CLARK FORK — Hewitt 15, McDaniel 8, Gannon 0, Dishaw 2, Siple 0, Young 7, Ruen 8, Martin 14, Clayton 1.