IONE – The Wheeler Rattlers mounted an impressive comeback but the Ione/Arlington Cardinals were too much, winning 64-50 on Saturday.
The Rattlers had a sluggish start, trailing 18-5 after the first quarter and going into the locker room down 31-16 at the half.
Taylor and Bryce Rollins each scored five points in the opening quarter and dominated the paint early on.
But the Rattlers waged an impressive comeback, scoring 22 points in the third quarter. Carter Boise scored 18 of his game high 23 points in the second half, backed by Nathan Clark who had 12 of his 19 points in the second.
But after cutting the lead to 4, the Cardinals had a final push and put the game away.
The Cardinals had all five starters score in double digits with Carson Eynetich leading the way with 17 points, including 7 points off of free throws in the fourth quarter. Eynetich had only four field-goals and the Rattlers played good defense against the standout guard.
The Cardinals had two players with double-doubles – senior forward Gary Walls had 10 points and scooped up 10 rebounds. Big man Bryce Rollins had 12 points and ten rebounds.
Ione junior – guard Oliver Giefing had 14 points, and Taylor Rollins added 11 points.
Cardinals coach Dennis Stefani said that he knew the Rattlers were capable of scoring quickly and told his team at the half that Boise and Clark could score in bunches.
Rattlers coach Gary Fischer said he was proud of the way his team battled back but laments on the hole that they dug for themselves to start the game.
Up next, the Rattlers will face the Condon Blue Devils in Condon on Tuesday, January 11th.
The undefeated Cardinals will play the Echo Cougars on Tuesday.