Tigers bounce back

The Clatskanie Tigers varsity boys basketball team rebounded from last Tuesday's 60-50 loss to Nestucca with two straight victories over Faith Bible Christian and Gaston. Trailing by three points entering the second quarter last Tuesday, the Tigers found themselves in a 14-point hole going into halftime. Though outscoring Nestucca 34-30 in the second half, Clatskanie still had to settle for the 10-point loss. Senior Zach Mollenhour led all scorers with 16 points, Junior Gunner Engen, contributing 15 points of his own, led the team in rebounds with 11, assists with seven, and steals with four. Junior Michael Simpson added eight points and nine rebounds, while senior Ayden Blackshire had two blocks to lead the Tigers.

Friday, the boys regrouped with a 48-36 win against Faith Bible Christian. Though they fell in a 17-9 hole entering the second quarter, the Tigers had the lead going into halftime. Clatskanie would extend the lead over the second half, finishing with a 48-36 win. Engen led the team in both points and rebounds, scoring 16 and hauling down 10. Simpson came one rebound shy of a double- double, scoring 13 points and grabbing nine rebounds. Sophomore Landyn Winton led the team in assists with six, while sophomore Will Van Voorst led the Tigers with three steals. Van Voorst and Blackshire also had a block each. The Tigers returned home Monday and defeated Gaston 47-31. The player and team stats were not available at the time of press.

Clatskanie (12-5) goes back on the road Friday, Jan. 23, to take on Knappa, before returning home Monday, Jan. 26, to take on Columbia Christian at 7:30 p.m. inside the Clatskanie High School gym. The Tigers will stay home Wednesday, Jan. 28, as they take on Portland Christian at 7:30 p.m.