TACOMA — Maybe it was the halftime speech.
But South Kitsap coach John Callaghan was not ready to take credit for his team’s latest stunning third-quarter output during Friday’s 71-58 win in Class 4A Narrows League play at Mount Tahoma.
After scoring 34 points in the third period en route to a 54-38 victory Wednesday against Gig Harbor, the Wolves produced 28 during that eight-minute span two nights later.
That gave South a 57-34 lead entering the final period and the Wolves (8-5 overall, 4-3 league) led by double figures throughout the second half.
“For three quarters we played intelligently,” Callaghan said. “We looked really good.”
That did not apply to the final quarter when the Thunderbirds (3-10, 2-5) reduced their deficit to 68-58 with 1:16 left on a 3-pointer by Darryl Williams.
Callaghan also was frustrated with his team frequently fouling “contested shooters” in the waning moments.
“You’ve got to know how to play with the lead,” he said. “That’s something we have to learn.”
But South was able to close out the game as senior guard Nars Martinez, who had a game-high 29 points, made 5 of 6 free throws in the final two minutes.
Callaghan also praised the play of junior posts James Hyson and Josh Osinski. The duo combined for 12 points.
“Their hard work is starting to pay off,” Callaghan said.
The Wolves’ two-game winning streak has move them into fourth place in 4A Narrows at the halfway point of league play. The Narrows’ top four teams to the league playoffs.
“We’re playing pretty well,” Callaghan said. “I like the direction we’re heading. It’s fun right now.”
South Kitsap 71, at Mount Tahoma 58
South Kitsap 15 14 28 14 — 71
Mount Tahoma 9 15 10 24 — 58
South Kitsap—Aaron La Deaux 8, Ryley Callaghan 6, Tom Simpson 2, Devon Newquist 8, Kellen Traxel 2, Angelo Hazely 4, Nars Martinez 29, James Hyson 7, Josh Osinski 5.
Mount Tahoma—Jared Weaver 6, Rickey Bellamy 2, Mychael Rollins 18, Devion Hammond 9, Darryl Williams 11, Keshawn Craig 0, Chris Davis 9, David Byrne 3.
