Galena boys lose heartbreaker to Elko

Staff Reports

The Galena boys basketball team couldn't hold homecourt in the battle for first place in the High Desert League.

Elko's Ryan Klekas scored on a layup off of an inbounds play with four seconds left to give the Indians a 40-39 win over the Grizzlies on Friday. Galena almost pulled out the win despite not having Derek Lorenzen, who had to leave the game in the third quarter with a knee injury. Lorenzen is expected to return for Friday's game against Reed.

Without Lorenzen, Galena was also able to battle back from a deficit to take a 39-39 lead on two clutch free throws by Bobby Contreras only to see Klekas score the game-winner. Galena coach Tom Maurer took responsibility for the last play, said assistant coach Matt Kromberg.

Klekas came up big when Elko needed it the most. "At the end of each quarter is when he hit big shots," Kromberg said.

But Aaron Anderson did an outstanding job overall on Klekas, holding him to 16 points. In their previous two meetings, Klekas scored 35 and 37 points against Galena.

Kromberg said Contreras and Ryan Bristol played well down the stretch without Lorenzen. "People have got to step up," said Kromberg about going without Lorenzen. Bristol and Lorenzen each scored 11 points and Contreras was strong on the boards, Kromberg said.

Galena led 9-4 after one quarter, but just 16-14 at halftime as it committed 12 turnovers in the first half. "That didn't help us at all," Kromberg said.

The Grizzlies were also just 12-of-20 from the line. "We didn't hit free throws when we needed to," Kromberg said. "That's not going to win you games either."

Elko has run an impressive three-game gauntlet to begin league, winning at home against Reed and beating McQueen and Galena on the road. Galena (2-1 in league) still must travel to Elko.

"It's been a learning experience for these kids," Kromberg said. "This isn't the end of the world. This is not over."

YERINGTON BOYS 58, SPRING CREEK 48

Yerington (9-6, 2-3 in the Northern 3A) maintained control throughout as it was able to take a 21-13 lead after one quarter. Jay Sciarani scored 12 points and Dylan Johnson and Derek Lee Jr. each added 10 points for the Lions, who had nine players that scored.

LOWRY 57, DAYTON BOYS 49

Dayton (5-8, 2-4) struggled somewhat from the floor and could overcome a huge disadvantage at the foul line, but stayed in the game with an outstanding defensive effort at Winnemucca. Lowry was 23-of-35 from the line while Dayton was 6-of-11.

Adam Diament scored 18 points and Matt Bowman added 10 points. Dayton trailed 20-18 at halftime before Lowry extended its lead to 39-30 after three quarters. The Dust Devils were also playing their third game in three days.

"We didn't the shoot the ball particularly well throughout," Dayton coach Rob Streeter said. "I was very happy with our defensive effort and the way our kids played.

"They played their butts off. I was very pleased at the way our kids responded at the defensive end."

VIRGINIA CITY BOYS 85, MCDERMITT 34

Kyle Lynch scored 29 points and Kevin Lynch added 25 points for Virginia City. Mucker coach Hector Buckaneri said while he was happy with his team's effort, it can improve.

"We still have a lot of work to do," he said. "We aren't totally where we want to be. This game was just a stepping stone."

LOWRY GIRLS 47, DAYTON 39

Dayton (5-8, 1-3) outscored Lowry 17-12 to pull within 32-31 after three quarters before the Buckaroos pulled away. Amanda Sbragia scored 18 points and Bridgett Galles added 13 points. Sbragia and Galles were both 5-of-6 from the line.