Central Oregonian

Loggers slip past Tigers

Mitchell overcomes fourth-quarter deficit to take close victory

January 10, 2013

Tuesday night, the Mitchell Loggers did just enough to win as they escaped with a 37-33 victory over the Central Christian White Tigers.

The Loggers held a slim 8-7 lead at the end of the first quarter. Mitchell appeared to take control of the game in the second quarter, outscoring Central Christian 11-4 as they took a 19-11 lead into the half.

However, the White Tigers outscored the Loggers 10-1 in the third period to take a slim 21-20 lead going into the fourth quarter.

Mid-way through the period, the White Tigers had built their lead to six points. Nonetheless, the Loggers battled back, finally regaining the lead with less than two minutes remaining.

Leading by two, the Loggers attempted unsuccessfully to stall and run out the clock.

“It was a pretty hectic end of the fourth quarter,” said Mitchell head coach Cy Miller.

The Loggers fouled the White Tigers’ Caleb Steward who made one of two free throws to pull Central Christian to within one.

Mitchell ran some more time off the clock before Brent Domenighini was fouled. He hit his first shot, giving the Loggers a two-point lead.

With seven seconds left, Central Christian called time out, setting up a play for their leading scorer Bryson Eells. Eells tried a three-pointer from the corner. However, Domenighini blocked the shot and ran down the loose ball. Domenighini was fouled and this time made both free throws as the Loggers held on to win.

Domenighini led the Loggers in scoring with 11 points while Tino Espinoza and Toby Lindquist each finished with seven.

Eells finished with nine points for the White Tigers, while Stewart and Isaac Bryant each added eight.

With the victory, Mitchell is now 5-4, while Central Christian falls to 1-8. The Loggers are back in action tonight when they host Monument/Dayville in a 7:30 p.m. contest. Mitchell is home again on Saturday when they host Prairie City in a 3:30 p.m. contest.

Tuesday, Jan. 8

at Mitchell

Central Christian (33) — Bryson Eells 9, Bryant 8, Stewart 8, Sibley 6, Roberts 2, Poole, Koo, Davis. Totals 13 6-16 33.

Mitchell (37) — Brett Domenighini 11, Espinosa 7, Lindquist 7, Jorgensen 6, Nocol 4, Szvedowski 2. Totals 12 7-18 37.

Central Christian 7 4 10 12 — 33

Mitchell 8 11 1 17 — 37

Three-point goals — Central Christian: Eells; Mitchell: Jorgensen 2, Espinosa 2, Domenighini, Lindquist.