GSL boys: Prep claims league crown

The Ferris Saxons had all the energy and momentum.

Heading into the fourth quarter with a 13-point lead over the Gonzaga Prep Bullpups, the Saxons looked poised to become Greater Spokane League champions.

But then the energy shifted, thanks to a number of forced turnovers and timely shooting from the Bullpups. It all added up to a 61-56 victory for Gonzaga Prep. The Bullpups outscored the Saxons 26-8 in the fourth quarter en route to the victory.

“Things weren’t going our way in the first three quarters,” Prep coach Matty McIntyre said. “The kids hung in there. Going into the fourth quarter I just said, ‘win or lose, we’re going to play harder than we’ve done’ and the kids did a good job responding.”

Senior Brendan McClary scored all 14 of his points in the second half, with five coming during an early fourth quarter barrage. McClary hit a key 3-pointer with under a minute left and knocked down two free throws late to seal the victory.

Sam Dowd led Prep with 18 points. He also provided the energy Prep desperately needed.

“That’s my nature,” Dowd said. “I couldn’t do it without my team. Our bigs, our guards, they all played hard.”

After an even first half, the Saxons looked in control at the end of the third quarter. Senior Cody Benzel scored two quick baskets in 10 seconds – both off steals – to end the frame.

But Prep wasn’t finished. The Bullpups forced a number of turnovers and frustrated the Saxon offense. Prep also got crucial baskets late from McClary and senior Reed Hopkins.

Benzel finished with 18 points but only three in the critical fourth quarter.

With the victory and Mead’s victory over Central Valley, G-Prep secures the GSL championship outright and will be the top seed in the District 8 4A title game, where it will host the Saxons in a rematch at 7 p.m. Saturday.

Mead 66, Central Valley 59: Will McPhee scored 21 points Mitchell Banaugh added 18, hitting 5 of 5 3-pointers, as the visiting Panthers (13-7, 12-6) kept the Bears (15-4, 15-3) from a share of the league title. Mead shot 11 of 20 on 3-pointers. Adam Chamberlain led CV with 21 points. The teams will meet again at 7 p.m. Saturday at Central Valley in a district loser-out game.

University 61, Shadle Park 55: Andrew Schimmels and Robert Little hit three 3-pointers apiece and combined for 30 points as the host Titans (11-9, 9-9) defeated the Highlanders (7-12, 7-11) to clinch the top seed to the 3A subregional. U-Hi and second-seeded Shadle will both host loser-out games at 6 p.m. Tuesday.

Rogers 60, North Central 47: KJ Hassett had 17 points, four assists and three steals as the host Pirates (6-14, 6-12) secured the No. 3 seed to the 3A subregional by defeating the Indians (2-18, 2-16), whose season is finished. Rogers’ Melik Hampton added 13 points, 14 rebounds and four blocks. The Pirates will play Kennewick at 6 p.m. Tuesday.

Lewis and Clark 63, Mt. Spokane 49: Connor Hojnacki and Brody Asbury combined for 22 points and the Tigers (6-14, 5-13) used a 42-18 first-half advantage to beat the host Wildcats (5-15, 3-15). Mt. Spokane’s Stu Stiles scored a game-high 13 points. LC’s season is done. Fourth-seeded Mt. Spokane will play at the MCC No. 1 in a loser-out 3A subregional at 6 p.m. Tuesday.