Glacier Peak showed why it’s ranked in the state’s top 10 by beating the Oak Harbor boys’ 64-53 Friday night on the Wildcats’ court.

Oak Harbor hung with the Grizzlies the first half, leading after the first quarter 15-14 and trailing by just two, 31-29, at the break. The ‘Cats, however, couldn’t take advantage of Glacier Peak’s poor shooting in the first half because they committed 11 first half turnovers to limit their own offensive opportunities.

Mike Washington Jr. scored 11first half points and Jay Stout added eight points and six rebounds.

Glacier Peak returns its entire team from last year and its maturity showed as it weathered the poor shooting first half, didn’t panic and slowly pulled away in the second.

The Grizzlies more were aggressive and physical in the second half, dominating the boards and scooping up all the loose balls.

Glacier Peak also came out in the third quarter in a box-and-one defense on Washington. This threw off Oak Harbor’s offensive rhythm and held Washington to one 3-point bucket in the final two periods.

By the end of the quarter the Grizzlies led 51-41 and they never let the ‘Cats closer than seven.

While the Wildcats did fall, they put up an improved effort against Peak this time around. Last year the same Grizzly team ripped the ‘Cats by over 20 points.

Washington finished the game with 14 points, Stout 12 and Stevie Bratt 11.

Oak Harbor also got points from Aaron Boesch (6), Rashaad Smith (4), Denzel Hardin (4) and Colby Anter (2).

The Wildcats (1-1) face another tough opponent Tuesday when the travel to Burlington-Edison to face a Tiger team that finished second in 2A state last year.