Enumclaw Boys Fall to Decatur 62-37 in SPSL 3A Home Opener

Led by Jarron Smith and Austen Wilson who each scored 13 points, Decatur (8-4, 3-0 SPSL 3A) defeated Enumclaw (3-9,1-2 SPSL 3A)  62-37 Tuesday at Chuck Smith Gymnasium in the Hornets' South Puget Sound League 3A home opener.

"We started great in controlling the tempo and [Decatur's] Jerron Smith holding him to 13 points," Hornets coach Ted Carlson said. " D.J. [Hitch] did a nice job down getting second and third shots for us by going right to the glass."

The Gators adjusted with defensive pressure and strong perimeter shooting in the second quarter, outscoring Enumclaw 25-9 to pull away to a 39-23 lead at halftime. " We started getting in the flow of the game in the second quarter," Gators coach Kevin Olson said. "We don't have a true post player so hitting shots from perimeter is key for us to be successful."

The Hornets mounted a 6-0 run in the middle of the third quarter to cut into Decatur's 43-29 lead, but the Gators' increased tempo wore down Enumclaw the rest of the way. "We hung with them for awhile in the third quarter," Terrenn Houk said. "I'm proud of how we played, but we have to maintain our intensity for the full 32 minutes."

"We have to let go of this game," Carlson said. "We have to learn from our mistakes and play with more energy for longer stretches on Friday."

Enumclaw hosts Auburn Mountainview at 7 p.m. on Friday -- a halftime Hall of Fame induction ceremony will honor past alumni who've made their mark on Enumclaw sports. Decatur will play at Lakes at also at 7 p.m. Friday in a battle for first place in the South Puget Sound League.

Box Score

Decatur 14|25|13|10--62

Enumclaw 14|9|6|11--37

Scoring

Decatur-  Smith 13, Wilson 13, Hunter 12, Rawls 9, Ferrell-Logan 6, Jennings 4, Willians 2, Alabaster 2, Larkins 1

Enumclaw- Hitch 16, Houk 6, Jacobson 5, Madden 3, Holland 2, Ashcraft 2, Rockwood 2, Foerster 1

Team Fouls:  Decatur 11, Enumclaw 14