RICHLAND — Joe Douglas continued his reign on the low block Wednesday night at Hanford High School, recording 24 points and 14 rebounds to lead the Falcons to a 58-56 nonleague win over Richland.
If that weren't enough for the 6-foot-4 junior, he also scored the game-winning basket with 3 seconds remaining, taking an entry pass from guard Jalen Watson and attacking the basket.
Since the beginning of the season, Douglas has been one of the top producers in the CBBN 3A, averaging 17.1 points and 10.1 rebounds a game. In the last four games, he's stepped that up, averaging 23.3 and 12.
"He's been a strong post presence for us. He's playing really well," Hanford coach Paul Mayer said of Douglas, an All-Area offensive lineman in football.
The Bombers, who topped the Falcons 77-55 at Art Dawald Gymnasium earlier this month, took a 17-14 lead after one quarter. But the Falcons came charging back to lead 30-26 at the half.
Peyton Radliff hit five 3-pointers to lead Richland with 21 points. Colter Quick, the Bombers' leading returning scorer from last season, had five assists but was held to just one point.
"I thought we controlled it pretty well, but you have to give them credit. They didn't go away," Mayer said. "I didn't think they would."
Hanford led 41-35 after three quarters, but Richland turned up its defensive pressure over the final eight minutes, outscoring the Falcons 21-17.
"They really came at us hard in the fourth quarter, but we were able to answer each time," Mayer said. "Both teams matched 3s, and Joe was able to get inside for the game-winner."
Bear Braich and Jalen DeVine, two of Hanford's top returning players, are still looking to find a consistent shooting stroke, but each drained a clutch 3-pointer in the fourth quarter to keep the Falcons in the game.
Watson finished with a game-high six assists.
RICHLAND -- Payton Radliff 21, Fuller 2, Turner 10, Baker 7, Streufert 8, Quick 1, Malone, Wheeler 7. Totals 22-52 4-11 56.
HANFORD -- Joe Douglas 24, Jones 4, Braich 7, Sutey, DeVine 3, Serkowski 6, Jalen Watson 13, Dobken 1. Totals 22-40 12-16 58.
Richland 17 9 9 21 -- 56
Hanford 14 16 11 17 -- 58
Highlights -- Douglas 14 rebs; Watson 6 assists; Radliff 5 3-pointers; Quick 5 assists.
