1/3/19: Senior Adam Vega scored a game-high 20 points in a 75-73 Blaine victory over Meridian. PHOTO: Doug Lange
Vega Helps Blaine Get First NWC Win
January 4, 2019
The Blaine boys basketball team had been waiting a long time for a Northwest Conference victory. Thursday night the wait ended in dramatic fashion.
Senior Adam Vega's 3-point play with 12 seconds left in overtime helped secure a 75-73 Borderite win over Meridian in front of a packed house at Ken Waters Gym at Blaine High School. The win on "Throw-back Night" was the first NWC victory for Blaine since December 19th of 2016.
I'm just so proud of our kids, you know this is something they've been waiting for, for a long time," said Blaine head coach Brett Farrar. "I might be mistaken, but I believe we were coming in here with 28 straight, consecutive league losses."
The game see-sawed back and forth. Tied at 35-35 at halftime, Blaine (6-6/1-4 NWC) built a lead as big as 9 in the second half. A furious Meridian (6-6/0-5 NWC) comeback in the 4th quarter would send the game into overtime at 68-68.
Vega's big and-one bucket came off a Blaine bust out opportunity as sophomore Josh Russ hit the 6-4 post player with a lob pass on the low block. A pump fake, a foul on the made shot and a successful free-throw followed with just a dozen seconds left to play. Meridian's Jordan Veenstra had a look at a game winning three-ball from straight on top that was off to the right before time expired.
Vega finished with a game-high 20 points along with 10 rebounds, 2 steals, 1 assist and 1 block shot. The importance of a first league win wasn't lost on the Borderites' big man.
"In the locker room we always go (say) 1-and-0, so today we just thought of that 1-and-0 the whole time," said Vega.
Russ added 19 points for Blaine, while Zane Rector finished with 18. Kyle Turnberg posted a game high 7 assists and 3 steals in the win. Meridian finished with 4 players scoring in double figures. Jackson Short led with 19, Ethan Brooks had 15, Veenstra tallied 14 and Ryan Johnson finished with 12.
Meridian returns to the hardwood Monday, January 7th when they host undefeated Lynden. Blaine is next in action Tuesday, January 8th with a road game at Ferndale.
- Doug Lange
Blaine head coach coach Brett Farrar smiles from the bench during their game vs. Meridian. PHOTO: Doug Lange
Meridian Jr. Jackson Short (R) led the Trojans with 19 points. Blaine So. Josh Russ finished with 19 for the Borderites. PHOTO: Doug Lange
