Despite a 55-point performance by Kentridge’s Gary Bell this past Tuesday, the Auburn Riverside boys basketball team managed to eke out a 93-82 double overtime win over the Chargers and improve to 3-2 in the South Puget Sound League North 4A, 4-2 overall.

“It was everything that is right about high school sports,” Ravens coach Shawn Kilgallon said of the game. “And I was proud to be a part of it.”

Riding Bell’s hot hand, the Chargers (3-2 league, 3-2 overall) overcame a 53-43 deficit after three quarters to tie it up at 61 points apiece at the end of regulation. The Ravens, led by 28 points and 11 rebounds from senior Ryan Rogers came alive in the second overtime to sock away the victory.

Dustin Hegge added 17 points for Auburn Riverside, with Roman Tymchuk adding 15 and Cole Luckett chipping in with 13 points.

According to Kilgallon, the team’s near miss against Kentwood this past week — the team fell 61-52 to the No. 8 ranked Conks – played a big part in the Ravens win.

“I was more surprised we didn’t beat Kentwood,” he said. “I thought we had them. But I think that helped these kids understand how important it was to finish. I don’t think we would have won this game without the lessons from the loss to Kentwood.”

The Ravens will resume league play at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 5 against Jefferson and match up with a district rival at 7:30 p.m. Jan.8 at Auburn Riverside.

“I think they’re doing a pretty good job and learning from each game,” Kilgallon said of his squad. “There is always something different to learn, every game is different, every team is different. They’ve done a great job of learning.”

ELSEWHERE: Michael Patenaude had 14 points in the Lions (2-1 South Puget Sound League 3A, 2-2 overall) 54-48 win over Bonney Lake (1-3, 2-3) this past Tuesday. Neal Leatherman added 13 points and Josh Alexander had 12 points.