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1A D2 STATE BOYS BASKETBALL: Sanroman leads Wampus Cats in loss to Camas County

by MAX OSWALD
Sports Reporter | February 29, 2024 7:50 PM

Camas County 85, Clark Fork 49

CALDWELL — Clark Fork’s Chase Sanroman posted 15 points, six rebounds, three assists, and four steals as the No. 8 Wampus Cats fell to No. 1 Camas County, 85-49 in the opening round of the 1A D2 IHSAA State Basketball Tournament held Thursday afternoon at Caldwell High.

Trailing by 10 after the first quarter, the Wampus Cats went on a 9-6 run to cut the lead to seven midway through the second. The run was led by key baskets from Westin Caven, who converted a 3-point play after fighting through contact down low and sinking a basket, and Chase Sanroman, who hit a tough fadeaway turnaround from the free throw line off a pass from Ethan Howard. The Mushers, however, ended the half on a 12-0 run.

“In the first half we were doing well — started coming back — and then just before halftime, I’m not sure if we got tired but our rotation just stopped,” head coach Heath Beason said. “All of a sudden we were down by 20 heading into halftime.

Camas County carried that momentum into the second half, outsourcing Clark Fork 25-8 in the third quarter. The Wampus Cats did collect themselves in the fourth, putting 20 points up against the Mushers, who played their starters all the way through.

“We just couldn’t get it rolling,” Beason said. “I told them, hey, we know we’re better than this. We are not quitters. There were some really bleak times where we were down 40-something, but these kids kept fighting and fighting. Towards the end of the game, we were able to catch a few breaks and put points on the board. Ultimately, we knew it was going to be a quick game, but we just couldn’t keep pace with them.”

In addition to Chase Sanroman’s performance, also contributing for the Wampus Cats were Cole Sanroman and Owen Howard who had nine points each. Owen pulled down nine rebounds while Cole led the team in steals with five. Ethan Howard scored six points and secured 11 rebounds for Clark Fork.

“Chase kept us in the game and was one of our kids who just did not quit,” Beason said. “We were productive in the beginning and at the end because of him.”

The Mushers were led by Emmett Palan who scored 23 points and pulled in eight rebounds. Troy Smith added 18 points, eight rebounds, seven assists, and eight steals.

No. 8 Clark Fork (13-7) will play No. 4 Rockland (19-5) in a consolation matchup Friday at 4 p.m. PST.

“Speed wise I think we’re probably quicker than Rockland," Beason said. "It’s going to come down to who controls the boards and is able to close out on outside shooting."

Clark Fork 11 10 8 20 – 49

Camas County 21 20 25 19 – 85

PTS: CF – Ch. Sanroman 15, Co. Sanroman 9, O. Howard 9, Montgomery 6, E. Howard 6, W. Caven 3, S. Caven 1. CC – Palan 23, Tro. Smith 18, Tri. Smith 17, Tews 10, Pittock 9, Patten 6, Rablin 2, Pine 0.

REB: CF – E. Howard 11, O. Howard 7, Co. Sanroman 7, Ch. Sanroman 6, Montgomery 3, W. Caven 2, S. Caven 2. CC – Tro. Smith 9, Patten 8, Palan 8, Tews 6, Rablin 6, Pittock 2, Tri. Smith 1.

AST: CF –  Ch. Sanroman 3, Co. Sanroman 3, E. Howard 2, O. Howard 2, S. Caven 1, Montgomery 1, S. Caven 1. CC – Tro. Smith 7, Tews 3, Palan 2, Patten 2, Tri. Smith 2, Rablin 1.

STL: CF –  Co. Sanroman 5, Ch. Sanroman 4, W. Caven 1, E. Howard 1. CC – Tro. Smith 8, Rablin 5, Tri. Smith 3, Pittock 3, Tews 2, Patten 1, Palan 1.

BLK: CF – E. Howard 1, O. Howard 1, W. Caven 1. CC – Tews 1, Tro. Smith 1, Palan 1, Pittock 1, Rablin 1.