The Carson boys basketball team are down but not out after a 75-60 loss at North Valleys on Tuesday.
Carson's Northern 4A playoff hopes took a hit as the Senators fell to 3-5 in the Sierra League. North Valleys improved to 3-4. But the playoff race remains wide open after Douglas fell to 3-4 in a loss to South Tahoe.
"I think it's coming down to Douglas, us and North Valleys for two of the last three spots," said Carson coach Bruce Barnes about the race for third and fourth place and a spot in the playoffs.
Barnes also said next to Hug and Reno High, he believed that North Valleys is the third most talented team in the league.
Douglas still has games left with Reno and Hug and at North Valleys and Carson while the Senators finish up with Wooster, South Tahoe, Reno and the Tigers. Barnes said if his team could win three of its last four games, "that would put us in good shape."
But Barnes also said, "We've got a lot of work to do before we can start contemplating that."
On Tuesday, North Valleys controlled the game throughout. The Panthers controlled the offensive boards and Carson didn't help itself from the foul line, hitting just 17-of-36.
Carson trailed by nine at halftime and by 12 after North Valleys hit a three-pointer to begin the second half. The Senators were able to close to within seven, but got no closer. Brian Welch led Carson with 14 points.
NORTH VALLEYS 61, CARSON JVS 56
The Carson junior varsity boys basketball team couldn't overcome a disadvantage on the boards, despite a valiant second half comeback.
Zach Weisman scored 13 points, Brooks Greenlee had 11 points, Christian Volker had 10 points, Joe Leatham and Rob Valerius each had seven points, Nick Smallman had six points and Tony Roberts added four points. Volker also played well defensively.
CARSON FRESHMEN 64, NORTH VALLEYS 35
Zach Rispin and Will Holbert each scored nine points to help lead the Carson freshmen boys basketball team to the win.
