Wampus Cats fall to Warriors in overtime

WALLACE — Joey Hazinsky had another impressive game, posting a double-double with 13 points, 10 rebounds and six steals, but a cold-shooting first half and overtime proved the difference, as the Wampus Cats lost 40-32 to Kootenai in the North Star League Tournament opener Friday night in Wallace.

The Wampus Cats (0-5) were solid on defense, nabbing 15 steals as a team and holding the Warriors to single digits in each quarter, but went scoreless in the first period and overtime, unable to convert a bunch of close looks.

Leading by four points with 30 seconds left, the Cats were unable to close the deal in a disappointing loss, played without senior scoring guard Zack Klein.

“We came out ice cold, and worked our way back into the game, just couldn’t hit a shot,” said Cats head coach Corey Vogel. “We had a four point lead with 30 seconds left, then made a bad decision. Then we missed two free throws, and Kootenai went the length of the court to force OT.”

Tristin Bristol finished with eight points and 14 rebounds, Axel Anderson added seven points nad six boards and Zach Nesbitt dished out four assists in defeat.

Ben Whipple led the Warriors with 12 points.

Clark Fork will face the loser of Wallace/Mullan tonight at 6 p.m. in the third place game.

Clark Fork 0  9 11 12 0 — 32

Kootenai   8   7  9   8  8 — 40

CLARK FORK — Hazinsky 13, Bowen 5, Nesbitt 2, Anderson 7, Bristol 8.

KOOTENAI — Whipple 12, Benson 0, Williams 8, Love 1, Pfeifer 8, Schultz 4.