MATTAWA - Long road trips and a lack of height took a toll on Wahluke's boys last weekend, falling at Goldendale, 71-43, and Naches, 62-41, in non-league prep basketball.

"We knew this was our toughest weekend we were going to face this season," coach Cody Marlow said. "Goldendale and Naches are big and fast and can shoot the ball."

Both opponents, which will be contenders in the South Central A Conference West, have several players in the 6-2 and above range. Jared Sabin, 6-2, is the only Warrior taller than six feet. That made a big difference at Goldendale.

"We came out playing intimidated, missing some very easy buckets early on which would have made a big difference in the momentum of the first half," Marlow said.

Wahluke enjoyed a 20-18 second quarter and trailed by only eight points at the half. Then the roof caved in. Goldendale shot past the tired Warriors in a super fast-paced second half.

"Our boys learned a lot about defense and just plain playing tough against physical players," Marlow said.

The Warriors were led by Sabin's 10 points and nine each by Rafael Mendoza and Oscar Onofre. Edgar Ledesma had six, Dario Prudente four, Johnny Abarca three and Jose Gallardo two.

"Naches was even bigger," Marlow said. "I was nervous to see how we would play against an even bigger team."

With fresh legs for the start of Saturday's game, Wahluke started well, tying the Rangers, 18-18, after one quarter. Sabin got the first scored with a three-point bomb.

Sabin led the way again with 15 points, and he hauled in 10 rebounds. Juarez scored eight points, Jordan Zirker seven, Prudente six and Onofre five.

"These two games have done nothing but made us better prepared for our own (SCAC East) big physical teams like Connell and Royal," Marlow said.

The Warriors will get a look at Connell on Friday when they open SCAC East play at home with the Eagles. Tonight there is a home non-leaguer with LaSalle. Saturday Warden will visit for another pre-season contest.