Creeping closer to its first win of the season, the Oak Harbor High School boys basketball team finished its three-game run in the Bellevue College Holiday Tournament with a 73-69 loss in overtime to Renton Monday, Dec. 30.

Oak Harbor’s Drew Washington drilled a 25-foot shot to send the game into overtime, but Renton, taking advantage of second-chance opportunities, outscored the Wildcats 8-4 in the extra period to pick up the non-conference win.

Oak Harbor jumped on the Indians early, running to a 14-5 lead and finishing the first period on top 18-10.
Renton (3-4) chipped away, cutting the lead to 31-28 at halftime and eventually taking the lead 45-44 late in the third quarter.

Washington’s game-tying shot came with six seconds left in regulation.

The Indians controlled the tip to begin overtime and scored on their first possession. Then they did what they had all game, control the offensive boards.

Oak Harbor coach Mike Washington said, “We gave up several offensive rebounds at key times and they capitalized on them.

“We have to become more efficient on the defensive end. Giving up 26 offensive boards is not going to get anyone a ‘W.'”

Renton, in a rarity, snared more rebounds on offense than defensive (26 to 24). In all, the Indians out-rebounded Oak Harbor 50-36 and outscored the Wildcats 24-14 in second-chance points.

Oak Harbor countered by outscoring the Indians 16-12 off turnovers, committing 13 to Renton’s 17.

Giving up offensive rebounds wasn’t the only Oak Harbor concern. Lack of depth has hurt the ‘Cats all season, and it continued against Renton as the Indian bench outscored the Oak Harbor reserves 24-2.

The Wildcats received a boost from Elijah Smith. The 5-6 sophomore guard made his first start in the tournament and hit five of nine shots, including three three-pointers, and scored 15 points.

Drew Washington scored 22 points to finish the tournament with at least 20 points in each game. He also had six rebounds and two blocked shots.

Dyllan Harris collected 16 points and four assists, Zach Gibbs added 12 points and nine rebounds, Gabe Groenig scored two points and grabbed 10 boards and Shane Huttula had two points and four rebounds.

Jordan Holland scored 25 points and Shykiel Milord 21 for Renton.

Oak Harbor (0-2, 0-8) returns to Wesco play at 7:15 p.m. Friday, Jan. 3, at Marysville-Pilchuck (1-0, 4-3).