Thrillers open county hoops

Shaking off the rust for a new season, Whitman County boys’ teams opened play Tuesday night with a trio of intense fourth quarters.

Rosalia topped visiting Wellpinit 61-58 when Junior post Nathan Richards drained a 30-footer at the buzzer.

“It was very exciting way to start the year,” said Coach Rob Hudkins. “It was a fun game to get to coach.”

The two teams exchanged leads with Rosalia closing a nine-point fourth quarter deficit to go ahead by two with 20 seconds remaining.

Wellpinit sank two free throws to tie it, and the Spartans ran down the clock for a final shot. With the Wellpinit defense closing off the key, Richards stepped outside of the arc, got the ball with three seconds left and hit bottom at the buzzer.

Richards finished the game with 16, and Senior Jim Maley led the Sparts with 25 points, seven rebounds and six steals.

The Spartans host Liberty Friday and travel to Cusick Saturday.

St. John/Endicott also booked a last-second 42-41 win after the wheels came off host Sprague/Harrington’s attack in the fourth quarter.

Up by 11 in the final frame, the Falcons went cold, missing all of their field goals.

Powered by Cole McCanna’s 17, the Eagles put 16 points on the board in the fourth quarter. Mason Van Lith added 10 points for SJE.

The Eagles this weekend will host Wellpinit Friday and Dayton Saturday.

Colton tuned up its season with a 61-55 win over the Lewiston’s sophomores, nailing the win by outscoring the Bengals 18-10 in the fourth quarter.

Spencer Jacobs notched 15 points to lead four Wildcats in double figures. Dustin Patchin added 13 points and grabbed 10 rebounds.

Garfield/Palouse opens the season Saturday when they host Potlatch, and LaCrosse/Washtucna Saturday will host Touchet.