The Philomath High School boys basketball team played for the first time in 12 days and despite a less-than-perfect outing was able to take care of Estacada on the road, 59-41.
The No. 1-ranked road-weary Warriors are now 10-1 and will play at home for the first time since Dec. 3 on Friday with a nonleague game with Madras.
In the win over the Rangers, senior Ty May had a productive night in the scoring column with 22 points on nine field goals and a couple of free throws. May scored in each of the four quarters and had two 3-pointers.
Philomath’s second big man, senior Chad Russell, also hit double digits with 10 points on five field goals — four of those coming in the third quarter. Senior Cole Beardsley scored nine and junior Jacob Peters had eight.
The Warriors had to overcome a sluggish start, trailing 15-10 after the first quarter. May, Beardsley and others started to find the hoop more in the second and Philomath led 28-25 at halftime.
Philomath then pulled away in the third with an 18-4 run over those eight minutes with Russell and May leading the way.
Senior Dominic Nacoste led Estacada (6-5) with 12 points.
Madras will bring a 6-5 record into the PHS gym for Friday’s 5:30 p.m. game. The White Buffaloes defeated Sweet Home on Tuesday, 55-36, to break a three-game skid.
