The Highline men’s basketball team lost a heartbreaker 64-63 at Grays Harbor on Wednesday.
This is the Thunderbirds’ second straight one-point loss as they begin conference play.
The team got off to a good start, leading the Chokers 37-32 at half. Guard Bradley Graham led the team in first half scoring with 9 points on 4-6 shooting. Forward Luke Brower pitched in six points on 3-3 shooting.
Guard Micah Jessie led Highline for the game with 15 points.
However, 14 turnovers overall and second half shooting struggles plagued the T-Birds, as they shot 10-26 and did not make a single free throw.
“We moved the ball much better offensively. Unfortunately we turned the ball over too many times. It was also about us not shooting well and not getting enough quality possessions,” said Head Coach Che Dawson.
“Over the bye, we are trying to become more offensively efficient and to develop a better sense of urgency, discipline and focus,” said Dawson.
But those improvements weren’t quite enough against Grays Harbor.
Forward Jalen Fayson hit a jumper to bring the game within two points with 1:28 left, making it 62-60. Grays Harbor forward Tristan Schoep then responded with a jumper of his own with just over a minute left, giving the Chokers a four-point lead.
Guard Kenny Curtis brought the game back within reach with a clutch three-pointer with 1:00 remaining.
With six seconds left, Micah Jessie put up a three pointer with a chance to take the lead, which did not fall. Luke Brower was able to haul in the offensive rebound and get a shot up as time expired, which unfortunately did not go in as well.
At 1-2 in conference play, Highline is in a four-way tie for fourth place in the NWAC West. The T-Birds are 4-12 overall.
Highline played the 1-2 Green River Gators on Wednesday, with results unavaliable at press time.
“They change their defenses a lot. We have to have the discipline to execute and attack intelligently,” Dawson said of the Gators.
The next time they take the court will be at home against the 3-0 Lower Columbia Red Devils on Saturday, Feb. 5 at 11 a.m. and at Pierce on Wednesday, Feb. 9 at 7:30 p.m.