12/18/18: Bellingham junior guard Colm Schaeffer works against
Matthew Pratt of Nooksack Valley. PHOTO: Doug Lange
Stay Colm: Schaefer Shoots Bellingham Past Nooksack Valley
December 19, 2018
Looking for their first Northwest Conference victory of the year, the Bellingham Red Raiders leaned on guard Colm Schaefer Tuesday night. The junior responded with a smooth shooting night to help lead the Red Raiders to a convincing 68-48 home win over Nooksack Valley.
Schaefer went for 17 points on 7 of 12 shooting, including three 3-balls to help Bellingham improve to 3-and-4 overall and 1-and-2 in conference play. All despite a self admitted slow start.
"During the start I wasn't really feeling great, but I think my team did a really good job at executing our offense and we just got a lot of open looks from there," said Schaefer. "Our team...we're just really good shooters, so if we get open looks we're going to knock them down eventually."
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Bellingham had a slim 4 point lead at 13-to-9 after the first quarter. The Red Raiders put things away early after that, opening the second with a 7-0 run and outscoring the Pioneers 40-20 over the next two quarters.
As for the big night for Schaefer, it came as no surprise to Bellingham coach Brad McKay.
"Colm always has a good shot and he's got the green light for us so we really depend on him to shoot the ball a lot, said McKay.
Bellingham also got double-figure scoring out of their senior post players. Luke Visser scored 12 points and Rand Bently added 10.
Bellingham broke a two-game losing streak with the win They now have an NWC victory under their belt as they prepare to hit the road December 20th for a match-up against the undefeated, defending 2A state champion Lynden Lions.
"Any league victory is big," said McKay. "We've given a couple of league games away, so we really needed this one tonight and I like how we responded and came away with a big win."
Sophomore guard Cody Coppinger paced Nooksack Valley (4-4/1-2 NWC) with 10 points. The Pioneers host Sedro-Woolley Friday, December 21st.
- Doug Lange
12/18/18: Bellingham coach Brad McKay talks to his team during a 68-48 victory over Nooksack Valley. PHOTO: Doug Lange
12/18/18: Bellingham senior Rand Bentley (#40) scored 10 points versus Nooksack Valley. PHOTO: Doug Lange
