Odessa boys eliminated by Curlew

MEDICAL LAKE - The Odessa boys ended their season with a 61-46 loss to the Curlew Cougars in the loser-out round of the District 7 1B Tournament Saturday, Feb.11.

The Tigers' first quarter was rough as they fell behind Curlew by 10 points,19-9. Curlew's defense was quick and its ability to freeze out the Tigers was apparent as the game progressed.

The second quarter brought 24 more points to the board for Curlew to Odessa's 11. By halftime, Curlew led 43-20.

The tensions were high around the gym as the third quarter started. Many spectators were heated over fouls and technicalities on both sides.

Odessa returned with 10 points scored but was still behind Curlew 45-30 despite only two Cougar points in the frame.

A back-and-forth happened at the start of the third quarter; if one team scored, the other would soon follow.

The fourth quarter brought a further battle against the two teams, with both scoring 16 points, 61-46.

Seniors Gage Starkel and Collin Martin hugged their teammates as their last game ended.

The underclassmen played the last few minutes of the fourth quarter.

Head Coach HP Carstensen said he enjoyed coaching this year's group of young men.

"They were just a great group of kids," Carstensen said. "I enjoyed coaching them through this season."

Curlew advanced to another loser-out game against Inchelium at Deer Park High School at 5:45 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 16. Odessa finished its season with a 6-6 league record and went 10-12 overall.