DAMIAN MULINIX/For the Observer

Taholahs Zach Cain drove past multiple Naselle defenders early in Friday nights regional playoff game.

DAMIAN MULINIX/For the Observer

Naselle coach Brian Macy motivated his team during a timeout in Friday nights game with Taholah.

DAMIAN MULINIX/For the Observer

Taholahs Brett Orozco defended Naselles Corey Gregory near the sideline.

DAMIAN MULINIX/For the Observer

Naselles Antonio Nolan tried to get a shot off in the lane against Tahloahs Zach Cain in Friday nights loss.

TUMWATER Taholah was the obstacle that never left the path of the Naselle Comets all season. After dashing Naselles hopes of league and District titles this season, the Chitwhins eliminated the Comets from the playoffs with a 76-47 win at Regionals on Feb. 24.

With a trip to Spokane on the line, Naselle and Taholah were in a tight defensive battle early on, with the Chitwhins leading 13-10 near the end of the first quarter. Chitwhin star Zach Cain had a five-point possession with about 34 seconds left in the period. He zipped down-court, hit a shot while being fouled, and rebounded his own missed free throw. He then scored again while being fouled, this time converting the three-point play for an 18-10 lead.

The high-flying Cain and Tom Anderson, along with other Taholah defenders, kept meeting the Comets at the rim, rebuffing their attacks on the basket. Naselle kept coming, though. Donny Edwards hit a driving layup early in the second quarter, then led a three-on-one break for another basket. Antonio Nolan and Ian Fontanilla buried three-pointers, cutting the lead to 27-20 midway through the second.

Edwards, who scored 14 of his 19 points in the first half, continued to attack, hitting a pair of tough pull-up shots from near the free throw line. However, the Chitwhins were generating much easier shots, and the game got away from Naselle late in the second quarter. Anderson repeatedly got open and caught long outlet passes, getting seven points and an assist on such plays in the final minutes of the quarter. During that same stretch, Brett Orozco hit his third three-pointer of the game. Taholah pulled out to a 45-24 halftime lead.

Theyre quick and athletic, Naselle coach Brian Macy said of Taholah. They took advantage of some of our mistakes, some quick shots, to get out running.

The Comets brought a press in the second half, but the Chitwhins handled it and extended their lead to 28 after three quarters.

The Comets, during a rebuilding year in which they had no seniors, finished the regular season 12-8 and went 2-2 in post-season play, with both losses coming to Taholah. Next year will be the Chitwhins turn to rebuild, as they will return only one starter, Cain.

For Taholah, Anderson and Orozco each scored 18 points, and Cain added 17. Edwards scored 19 points for Naselle, and Antonio Nolan had 10.

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Chitwhins or nemesis? Taholah ends Comets' State hopes - Chinook Observer