WALLOWA – In spite of subpar shooting that, in the end, narrowly missed a second win, the Wallowa Cougar boys’ basketball team won one of three contests Dec. 29-31 at the La Grande Optimist Basketball Tournament held at Eastern Oregon University.

Wallowa, now 1-1 in league and 5-6 overall, missed 19 lay-ins during a one-point 49-48 loss to Powder Valley (5-6) on Monday, Dec. 29, said WHS Coach Greg Oveson. The Cougars redeemed themselves somewhat the following day by nudging 2A Cove (4-7) by a 49-46 score, then fell 49-33 on Wednesday, New Year’s Eve day to a talented team from Monument/Dayville (7-4).

Senior Gareth Murray led Wallowa scorers with 13 points against Powder Valley. The team’s other senior, Karl Wellens, tallied 15 points to lead the scoring parade the following evening in the win against Cove, while no Cougar players were in double figures in the loss against Monument/Dayville.

WHS played all three games without the services of its tallest player, 6’3” freshman Caevan Murray, who was sidelined with a sore back.

Oveson said his team executed the offense well during the tournament, yet repeatedly failed to capitalize on scoring opportunities.