Making its free throws when it needed them the most, the Oak Harbor High School boys basketball team defeated host Lynnwood 58-47 Saturday, Jan. 21.

The Wildcats hit only half of its 10 foul shots heading into the fourth quarter, but then drilled 11 of 12 over the final eight minutes to thwart any Royal comeback.

Solid defense and rebounding helped Oak Harbor overcome sloppy ball handling. The Wildcats committed 20 turnovers to Lynnwood’s nine and was outscored 22-6 off the mistakes.

It could have been worse for Oak Harbor but its stingy defense limited the Royals (2-9, 2-13) to few good looks and 31.5 percent shooting (17-for-54). The ‘Cats shot 51 percent (20-for-39).

Oak Harbor out-rebounded Lynnwood, one of the few Wesco teams shorter than the Wildcats, 40-25. Kevawn Brooks led the rebounding effort with 13; he added 10 points to record a double-double. He also blocked four shots.

JoJo Webster led the scoring with 15 points, and Mike Washington Jr. finished with 13. Matt Burgoyne added eight (and six rebounds), Dayne Herron six, Zach Gibbs two, Elias Whitefoot two and Paul Johannsen two.

Washington, who averages 20 points per game, had only two points the first half, but burned the Royals’ double teams by finding teammates open under the hoop for five assists.

The teams were tied 16-16 after the first quarter and then at 22 before Washington handed out assists to Whitefoot and Burgoyne to help Oak Harbor to a 26-23 halftime lead.

Brooks scored twice off put-backs and Webster hit two three-pointers to help the ‘Cats go up 43-34 heading into the final period.

Washington scored Oak Harbor’s first eight points of the fourth quarter to pace the Wildcats to a 55-41 lead with 2:11 left.

Coach Mike Washington Sr. said, “Our defensive intensity is what did it for us. I’m happy with the win.”

Oak Harbor (5-5, 5-9) goes to Everett (2-9, 2-12) Tuesday, Jan. 24, at 7:15 p.m.