Central Oregonian

Cowboys fall 69-48 to Cougars

Mountain View uses strong second half to break open close game

Lon Austin

February 11, 2013

The Crook County Cowboys stayed close to the Mountain View Cougars for a half before falling 69-48 in Friday night Intermountain Hybrid basketball action.

“We competed well for the first half,” said Crook County head coach Jeff Lowenbach. “But like I’ve said many times before, for us to beat the No. 4 team in 5A, we have to play a perfect game. A nearly-perfect half just doesn’t cut it.”

The Cowboys executed their game-plan flawlessly during the first quarter, playing to a 10-10 tie.

The Cougars were able to open a slim lead in the second quarter, but still led just 24-18 going into the half.

However, Mountain View exploded for 22 third-quarter points as they opened up a 46-27 advantage.

“We controlled the tempo and played great defense for a half,”?Lowenbach said. “Then they turned up the pressure in the second half and it kind of got away from us.”

The two teams traded baskets in the final period as the Cougars cruised to the easy win.

Mountain View (16-3) was led by Ments Haugen, who finished with 13 points. Grant Lannin added 12 points, while Mitch Modine and Matt Logan scored 10 points apiece.

Crook County (7-13) was led by Troy Benton and Jacob Mahurin who finished with 14 and 11 points respectively. Benton and Mahurin both did most of their damage from long-range as they hit three three-point goals apiece.

The Cowboys travel to Bend tonight to take on the Lava Bears (8-11), who have already defeated Crook County twice this year. Things don’t get any easier later in the week. The team hosts the Redmond Panthers (16-4), winners of 11 in a row, on Friday in a 7 p.m. contest.

Both games are leading up to the Cowboys most important game of the year, a meeting with Ridgeview on Tuesday, Feb. 19. Since the two teams have split their previous two games, the winner will earn the Special District I championship, and a play-in game, while the loser will be out of playoff contention.

“It’s senior night, and the biggest game of our season,” Lowenbach said. “We’re hoping to pack the place.”

Friday, Feb. 8

Mountain View 69, Crook County 48

at Mountain View

Crook County (48) — Troy Benton 14, Mahurin 11, Dean 6, Bartels 5, Kessi 5, Dees 4, Lee 2, Cooper 1, Rutz, Washechek, Sofich. Totals 14 13-24 48.

Mountain View (69) — Ments Haugen 13, Lannin 12, Modin 10, Logan 10, Carroll 7, Webb 6, Roth 3, Corrigan 2, Johnson 2, Sielken 2, Wilcox 2, Haney, Whitsett, Hjelm, Kurzynowski. Totals 24 15-22 69.

Crook County 10 8 9 21 — 48

Mt. View 10 14 22 23 — 69

Three-point goals — Crook County: Benton 3, Mahurin 3, Kessi; Mountain View: Haugen 2, Webb 2, Logan 2.