Orofino boys lose in round one

The Orofino High School Maniacs suffered their first loss against Potlatch Wednesday night in round one of the District 2A basketball tournament. The Maniacs had beaten Potlatch in the two previous meetings during the season.

Both teams came out somewhat nervous in the first half of the ball game. The Maniacs were the better team as they controlled the ball well and would take the lead on several occasions. The Loggers had a greater determination and the audience could see it in the reactions and faces. Completed three point shots kept Potlatch in the game, even though the Maniacs lead at the end of the first and second period by one point.

Potlatch came out strong in the third quarter and started to pull away from the Orofino Maniacs. Even though the Maniacs played tough, their shots were not falling through. The Maniacs were only able to shoot 48 per cent from the field. Fourth quarter was a battle to the finish both teams wanting to win this game. The offenses and defenses were working the ball aggressively; however Potlatch had the upper hand. The Loggers gave Orofino plenty of opportunity to keep in the game because of foul trouble, but the Maniacs were not hitting their foul shots.

Wayde Garland was the only Maniacs in double figures in last night's game. He shot 18 points and Sean Diffen got 8. The Maniacs were able to shoot 75 percent from the free throw line. Potlatch came out on top of game two of the tournament by the final of Potlatch 57 Orofino 47.

Orofino will play Clearwater Valley High School in game three Saturday night at 6 p.m. The game will be at Booth Hall at Lewiston High School.

Photos: 1. Wayde Garland goes up for the shot. 2. Sean Diffen waits for the play to set up. 3. Jarrod Mangum makes a shot before falling (front) and Ben Hosley tries for the rebound. 4. Diffen (foreground) makes two points with a lay up. Brad Popoff is in the background. 5. DJ Wright (back) tries to get the rebound as Hosley (30) waits to assist. 6. Orofino's Pep Band is a big supporter of the team. 7. Garland makes a foul shot.