Shoreline picks up victory in the back-and-forth battle at home

Photo by Wilson Tsoi

By Drew Raher

The Dolphins team would not be denied on this night as every member of the Shoreline club that stepped on the hardwood played with a purpose en route to a 97-87 victory over the visiting Northwest Indian College Eagles.

These two teams have played previously in late November of last year. The closely contested match-up in Bellingham saw the Eagles race out to an early halftime lead, only to see Shoreline cut the deficit to one possession before the Eagles scrapped out an 86-83 win.

There was a different ending this time, as the Dolphins kept pace with the Eagles in the first half. Bronte Corbray (Fr, Seattle, WA) led the way with 10 first half points on four of six shooting from the floor. Along with Corbray, nine other Dolphin players contributed at least two points to the cause.

This type of production across the board was something head coach Greg Turcott felt could be a possibility. The dribble-drive style offensively allows for multiple players to touch the ball in areas that are conducive to scoring.

The Eagles were led by 10 first half points from Kacy Green and Mike Schjang.

Shoreline exited the locker room at half on a mission. The full court trapping defense gave Northwest Indian College absolute fits as they turned the ball over four consecutive times down the court at one point. As the Dolphins blitzed the Eagles relentlessly, Shoreline saw its lead balloon to 63-40 only four minutes into the second half.

The Eagles would not go away as Mike Schjang single-handedly made play-after-play to keep Northwest Indian College within striking distance for the remainder of the game. Shoreline did not relinquish the lead as the Dolphins earned their fourth victory of the season in fitting fashion.

Earl Thompson (So, Las Vegas, NV) scored 25 of his game-high 28 points in the second half as he continuously scored inside the paint. One play epitomized the leading scorer’s effect on the game more than any other as midway through the second period, Thompson muscled his way inside and finished an and-one-opportunity with Josh Nelson draped over his back. Thompson also snagged a team-high 15 rebounds, only one shy of his season high.

Three other Dolphin players finished in double-figure scoring. Artez Scharer (So, Seattle, WA) chipped in 16 points on 50% shooting. Corbray and Austin Jordt (Fr, Big Fork, MT) contributed 14 and 12 points respectively.

Dean “Bulla” Vienna (So, Waipahu, HI) helped out with 14 rebounds; 12 of those coming on the defensive end.

Northwest Indian College was led by the dynamic back court duo of Kacy Green and Mike Schjang who tallied 24 and 23 point respectively.

Shoreline Community College (4-15, 1-6) will look to start a winning streak when they travel to Everett Community College on Saturday, which marks the start to the second half of NWAACC play.

Stat of the Night: Earl Thompson has now compiled six straight double-doubles and 11 for the season. The last game Thompson did not tally a double-double was on January 8th in a game against Bellevue College.

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