Summit struggled from beyond the arc Friday night but with suffocating defense and a solid fourth quarter, they were able to secure a 66-54 home win against the Mountain View Cougars.

First year head coach Joe Wells hoped to use last game’s loss to Caldera as motivation heading into this game, and emphasized the importance of learning from tough games.

“[We] had great opportunities to win that game, but we learn from it and we grow,” he said. 

First year Head Coach, Joe Wells, wasn’t too worried about the off shooting night when asked if that wasn’t a big focus for the Storm, 

“No, we really just wanted to play inside out,” said Wells, who gave credit to the Cougars for their success from the three point line. “They’re great shooters, that’s a great team.” 

The game opened with a bang when Senior Guard Kai Scalley went to dunk and fell flat on his back, drawing some gasps from the crowd but no foul was called. 

The Storm decided to use that as early momentum, controlling most of the first half, though Mountain View’s Jace Brewer kept the Cougars close when he drained a three as time expired in the first quarter. However, the Storm came back with a 10-2 run in the first three minutes of the second quarter. But, the Cougars prevailed and went on a run of their own, finishing the last three minutes of the half on a 10-3 run heading into the locker room only down by eight. 

The Storm opened the second half ice cold, shooting only one for ten from the field and one for four from the charity stripe in the first four minutes. The Cougars took advantage of the Storm’s slow shooting start to crawl within four points at the four minute mark. But once again the Storm quickly regained control, scoring seven quick points. The eleven point lead stuck for the Storm making it 52-41 at the end of the third quarter. The Cougars threatened in the fourth, but Senior Ryder Grieb sealed the win with a tough reverse layup with 50 seconds left in the game, giving them the win. 

“We know that if we play our game, things will go well,” said senior guard Will Manfredi, who led Summit with 16 points.

The Storm will head on the road next week to face Ridgeview and Redmond before coming back home for a rematch against Bend.