Grizzles still struggling

NEWPORT – The Newport Grizzlies boys basketball team is still struggling to get a win, losing 68-41 to St. George’s and 70-43 to Kettle Falls.

Against St. George’s at home Tuesday, Jan. 13, Newport fell behind 23-7 in the first quarter to the Dragons, the No. 5 ranked Northeast 2B League North team. It didn’t get a lot better in the second quarter and Newport trailed 46-19 at the half.

Newport played a solid third quarter but was still outscored 1413. While the Grizzlies only scored nine points in the final period that was one more than the Dragons.

Jameson Oaks scored most of Newport’s points, tallying 23, including a 3-pointer. Des Opland scored six for Newport.

Saturday, Jan. 17 against Kettle Falls, Newport was competitive in the first half.

After Oakes drained a jump shot to tie the game in the first two minutes, Kettle Falls went on a 10-point run before Damien Hamburg scored Newport’s second basket. Newport trailed 17-8 at the end of the first quarter. Kettle Falls extended the lead with 19-17 second quarter, but Newport played better. The Grizzles trailed 36-25 at the half.

Kettle Falls stretched the lead to 58-31 in the third quarter. Newport narrowed the gap in the fourth quarter, but not enough to get the win.

Newport played Chewelah Tuesday at home. They host undefeated Northwest Christian Friday, Jan. 23 at 6 p.m. and go to Colville Saturday, Jan. 24 for a 2:30 p.m. game.