Bulldogs win just three matches in GOL dual with Tigers

Baker’s Andrew Porter decisioned La Grande’s Matt Nicholson 13-11 in one of only three Baker wins Thursday at BHS.(Baker CIty Herald/Kathy Orr)

The Bulldogs managed just three wins by decision, and one by double forfeit, on the way to dropping a 61-15 decision.

“We didn’t come to wrestle tonight,” was all Baker coach Dee Gorrell had to say after the match.

“I guess Tuesday we’d better be looking to improve.”

Baker hosts Ontario and Grant Union Tuesday evening.

Andrew Porter (130 pounds), Andrew Gettle (145) and Ted Shaw (189) earned Baker’s only wins against the Tigers.

Whitney Phillips looked for a shot around the defense of Ontario’s Jenny Yano in Baker’s GOL win Tuesday.Baker City Herald/Kathy Orr)

That’s the way Baker girls basketball coach Tim Smith said his Bulldogs played Tuesday in a 45-30 Greater Oregon League victory over Ontario at BHS. The win improves Baker’s league record to 4-0.

“It was a gutsy performance,” Smith said. “We didn’t play that well. We saw some of the effects of the sickness we’ve been battling.

“We came out flat. But we can chalk it up to the fact that we aren’t 100 percent healthy.”

Baker led just 26-20 with 45.8 seconds left in the third period. That’s when Haley Adams and Morgan Ward hit back-to-back three-point baskets to send the Bulldogs into the final eight minutes leading 32-21.

Baker’s Jesse Brown battled Ontario’s Josh Mejia to a loose ball Tuesday in Baker’s Greater Oregon League win. (Baker City Herald/Kathy Orr)

Earlier, at Ontario, Baker led the entire game only to have Ontario make a late run before the Bulldogs clinched the win.

Tuesday, Baker led from the middle of the first quarter, but Ontario battled back to within 59-54 with 2:38 left in the game.

Baker kept its cool, and made 6-of-7 free throws down the stretch to improve to 4-0 in the GOL race.

PARMA, Idaho — Baker came away with one individual champion and a second-place winner Saturday at the Parma Invitational wrestling tournament.

Andrew Gettle claimed the championship at 145 pounds. Ted Shaw took second at 189 pounds. Andrew Porter was originally given credit for the win.

Bulldogs roll over Mac-Hi to run league record to 3-0

Baker’s Tara Talbott and Mac-Hi’s Sierra Burchell battle for a loose ball during Baker’s GOL victory Saturday. (Baker City Herald/Kathy Orr)

“It was a good, solid win,” said Baker coach Tim Smith.

“These are the kind of games that worry you as a coach,” he said. “You know you are the better team, but you have to come out ready to go.”

Baker was without Maggie Harlow, who was on crutches nursing an injured ankle, and Morgan Ward, who was ill. Savannah Daly played despite being ill before the game. And, Mackenzie Warner became ill at halftime, and played sparingly in the second half.

Derek Blankenship led Baker with 25 points in the Bulldogs win over Mac-Hi. (Baker City Herald/Kathy Orr)

The Bulldogs rode 23 first-points from Derek Blankenship to a 46-24 halftime lead, and rolled to a 74-43 victory. Baker ran its GOL record to 3-0 with the win.

Blankenship, who finished the game with 25 points after seeing limited action in the second half, hit five three-point baskets in the opening 16 minutes.

“When Derek is on like that he’s fun to watch,” said Baker coach Craig Woods. “And he opens up our posts when the opponents have to go out to defend him.”

HOOD RIVER — Baker swimmers garnered two second-place awards Jan. 17 at the The Dalles Eagle Indian Swim Invitational at Hood River.

Charlotte Bowers placed second in the girls 50 freestyle with a time of 27.43. The girls 200 freestyle relay team of Bowers, Annie Martin, Kim Countryman and Kim Pointer placed second with a 1:54.95 clocking.

Baker coach Bruce Bowers did not receive the official results until late last week. The Bulldogs returned to Hood River Saturday for the Hood River Invitational. Results will be published when available.

BOARDMAN — Three Pine-Eagle Spartans, five Baker Bulldogs and a former Bulldog are ranked in their respective weight divisions in the latest high school wrestling rankings on the Oregon Wrestling Forum Web site.

Pine-Eagle’s Kyle Dennis (160 pounds) is listed second and Richie Gonzalez (189) fifth in their weight divisions at the Class 2A level. Former Baker grappler Grant Marcum (145) is listed third at his weight. Pine-Eagle’s Devon Thorn (119) is ranked sixth in his weight.

Baker’s Ted Shaw (189) is listed seventh at the Class 4A level. Jake Shukle (189) is ninth, Andrew Gettle (140) seventh, Andrew Porter (125) 10th, and Sam Pearson (135) 21st.

The rankings and the Web site are compiled by Richard Rockwell of Riverside High School.

PARMA, Idaho — Baker came away with one individual champion and a second-place winner Saturday at the Parma Invitational wrestling tournament.

Andrew Porter claimed the championship at 145 pounds. Ted Shaw took second at 189 pounds.

“Andrew, Ted and Paul Johnson all had a good tournament,” said Baker coach Dee Gorrell.

“Overall, as a team we did fairly well for a high-quality tournament. Some of the kids got their eyes opened with the quality of wrestling they saw. One little mistake made the difference.”

Baker hosts La Grande in a Greater Oregon League dual match Thursday at 5 p.m.

Emmett rallies to hand Baker non-league loss

Baker let Emmett slip away with a win Thursday in a non-league boys basketball game at Emmett, Idaho.

The Bulldogs snatched defeat from the jaws of victory, falling 52-49 to the Huskies.

“We led the entire game until late in the fourth,” said Baker coach Craig Woods.

Baker trailed by three points with less than a minute left when Jesse Brown hit a basket and was fouled. Brown missed the free throw and Emmett grabbed the rebound. Baker then fouled the Huskies who made both free throws.

Then, with 10 seconds left, Baker missed the shot that could have tied the game. Time ran out before the Bulldogs could mount another threat.