Baker girls top Ontario

Trailing 28-25 midway through the third period, Baker (2-7, 1-0) went on an 11-3 run to end the quarter leading 36-31. Ontario got no closer than three points the rest of the way.

“It was a real dog fight,” said Baker coach Tim Smith.

“We’re starting to play better together. Teammates are picking other teammates up.”

Smith said defense was the key Friday.

“I thought our defense was great,” he said. “And, then we got the baskets and free throws when we needed them. I was pleased with our effort.”

Smith said Ontario plays “in-your-face” defense and Baker struggled at times to offset the Tigers.

“But, I thought we played them tough,” Smith said. “I reminded the girls that we have a different streak going now.”

Baker opened the season with a 7-game losing streak. The Bulldogs now have won two games in a row.

“I know the girls are physically tough,” Smith said. “Now they’re becoming more mentally tough as well. I’m proud of them, They’ve showed a lot of maturity. They played as well tonight as they have all year.”

Trailing 28-25, Baker scored seven straight points to take a 32-28 lead. First, Whitney Phillips scored on a rebound. Then Mackenzie Warner hit a three-pointer and followed that with another basket.

Then, after Ontario scored, Tiffany Burk and Phillips each added a pair of free throws in the final minute to give Baker a 36-31 cushion after three periods.

Ontario cut the deficit to 36-33 seconds into the fourth quarter.

Again, Baker answered.

Haley Adams and Mackenzie Srack each hit a basket to help build the lead to 42-34 with 1:35 left in the game.

Ontario opened the game by scoring the first five points before a three-pointer from Srack and a basket from Adams knotted the game at 5-5 with 5:16 left in the first quarter.

Ontario went on to take a 9-6 lead at the break.

Then, trailing 11-6 early in the second quarter, Baker went on a 7-0 run to take a 13-11 edge. Baskets by Aly Ogan, Burk and Warner, and a Phillips free throw sparked the rally.

Ontario rebounded to take a 20-19 halftime edge.

The teams then traded the lead six times in the first half of the third period before Baker’s final rally.

Warner led Baker with 11 points. Phillips added 10.

Baker hosts Fruitland, Idaho, in a non-league game Tuesday.

Ontario    9    11    11    6    — 37

Baker    6    13    17    6    — 42

Ontario (37) — Hendon 0 2-2 2, Mauer, Gallegos 2 0-0 4, Babij 4 1-2 9, McAvoy, J. Yano 5 4-7 15, Lopez 2 0-0 5, A. Yano 0 1-2 1. Totals 13 8-13 36.

Baker (42) — Warner 5 0-2 11, Ward, Burk 1 3-4 5, Adams 2 0-0 4, Srack 2 0-0 5, Phillips 2 6-8 10, Smith 1 0-0 2, Ogan 2 1-1 5. Totals 15 10-15 42.

Three-point goals — J. Yano, Lopez, Warner, Srack. Fouled out — none. Total fouls — Ontario 15, Baker 12. Technicals — none.