Home Sports Local Sports Baker boys head to GOL title game

Baker boys head to GOL title game

Written by Gerry Steele February 25, 2010 01:18 pm

Baker defeated Ontario for the fourth time this season Thursday. This time the final was 67-48 Baker in the second round of the Greater Oregon League boys basketball playoffs at BHS.

The win not only keeps Baker’s hopes for the GOL’s top state seed alive, it also assures the Bulldogs of at least one state playoff game.

Baker can earn the GOL’s top state seed Saturday by defeating regular-season champion La Grande at La Grande. Tip off is set for 6 p.m.

Against Ontario, the Bulldogs spotted the Tigers a 2-0 lead then rolled off a dozen straight points.

“We started in a zone and they pulled the ball out, stalling,” said Baker coach Craig Woods.

“Then once we got them up and running — that’s how we play — this group likes to run.”

B.J. Quintana scored all seven of his points in the opening run. Derek Blankenship added a three-pointer, and Jesse Brown a basket.

Baker ended the period with a 21-10 lead. Brown had five of his seven assists in the quarter.

Brown added eight of his game-high 20 points in the second quarter, and Blankenship five of his 19 as the Bulldogs increased their lead to 34-21 at halftime.

Trace Richardson chipped in eight of his 11 points in the third period. Blankenship added five, and Brown three as the lead blossomed to 54-35.

As if that weren’t enough, Baker exploded for a 9-0 run early in the fourth quarter. Brown led the way with five points. Blankenship and Dekker Smith each added a basket.

Baker will try to break a three-game GOL losing streak to La Grande Saturday. Woods said the keys to playing better against the Tigers are simple.

“We have to take care of the ball better for four quarters. And, we have to rebound the ball better. Those are the keys to the game,” Woods said.

“We have to have confidence that the things we do, we do well,” he said.

Ontario 10 11 14 13 — 48

Baker 21 13 20 13 — 67

Ontario (48) — Delgado, Heninger 4 0-0 9, Mejia, Lopez, Nicholson 3 3-4 9, Lang 8 2-2 20, Marines 3 2-2 10. Totals 18 7-8 48.

Baker (67) — Cripe, Brown 8 0-1 20, Barr, Everson 1 0-0 2, Curtis, McEnroe 1 0-0 2, Durflinger, Richardson 4 0-0 11, Blankenship 8 0-0 19, Quintana 3 0-1 7, Lay, Smith 3 0-0 6. Totals 28 0-2 67.

Three-point goals — Heninger, Lang 2, Marines 2, Brown 4, Richardson 3, Blankenship 3, Quintana. Fouled out — none. Total fouls — Ontario 10, Baker 11. Technicals — none.