SULTAN — In a game where 136 points were scored, two defensive plays made the difference.
Lakewood senior Nathan Hesselman had a block and took a charge in consecutive Sultan possessions to start the overtime period of Lakewood’s 71-65 Cascade Conferece win Feb. 16.
“I just had to step up,” said Hesselman. “It can go either way in overtime and we had to get in front.”
Not only did Hesselman create turnovers, but he also scored the go-ahead and game-winning baskets inside the first minute of the extra frame.
“When he got that charge, we knew that changed the game,” said Lakewood coach Matt Hart.
The overtime period was strangely quiet after a game that featured 18 lead changes and finished 63-63 in regulation. Lakewood broke the 70-point barrier for the third time this season and Hesselman was one of six Cougars to score at least eight points.
“We just kind of hung around, but we couldn’t ever really get past them,” Hart said.
On Sultan’s senior night, the Cougars had a hard time keeping up with the same Turks team that they had beaten 76-41 just a month ago.
“We took their best shot,” Hart said. “They were lights out tonight and just had to ride it out.”
The Turks benefitted from a loose style of play in the first half, as their smaller lineup could run the court and force the Cougars into foul trouble. Sultan made 15 of 19 free throw attempts in the first half en route to a 35-32 advantage.
“I think we kind of expected them to come out like they did last time and that didn’t really happen,” Hesselman said.
The Cougars responded with timely shooting, and contributions from almost every player on the roster. Senior point guard Cameron Fry led Lakewood with 17 points and a trio of three-pointers. Joseph Hawkins scored 12 points and Tre’ Haslom added 11.
Sultan got the majority of its points from the combo of Theo VandenEkart and Matty Ruddock, who combined for 36.
“This is huge because this is how every playoff game is going to be,” said Hart about the close score and packed atmosphere of Sultan’s gym.
The Cougars travel to South Whidbey Feb. 19 needing a win to avoid a district tournament play-in game.
Along with Hesselman, Jacob Von Pein and Shanan Bird each had eight points.
