The Washington Demon boys had an instant classic to begin a new high school basketball season, but it did not have a happy ending, as Washington fell 76-71 at Albia last night in double overtime. The Demons were in trouble right from the start, falling behind 11-0 and facing another double-digit deficit early in the second half. But Washington would rally each time, thanks partially to a huge night from senior guard Ethan Patterson. Patterson hit four total three-point field goals and scored 23 of his team-high 33 points after halftime.

As a result, the Demons would take the lead late in regulation, but Albia’s Drew Chance knocked down a game-tying three-pointer with 15 seconds left that would force overtime. Washington again managed to have a late three-point lead, but Albia again tied it, this time on a Rowen Archer triple with 20 seconds left in the first overtime period. The Demons would eventually fall prey to foul trouble, as two starters were disqualified from the game with five fouls each. Washington also couldn’t slow down Albia’s red-hot shooting from deep. The Blue Demons hit a whopping 12 triples as a team, including six from Chance on his way to a game-high 35 points.

Sophomore Logan McDole poured in 10 points and senior Ajay Six added nine, but it would not be enough for Washington to survive a thriller. The Demons will be back in action Friday night when they open conference play at Fairfield, a game you can hear on 106.1 FM KCII.