Schools

Local prep basketball teams secure slots in state tournaments

ADRIAN – The Jordan Valley girls varsity basketball team punched its ticket to the Class 1A quarterfinals in Baker City with a commanding 72-53 win over South Wasco County Friday, Feb. 24.
The win sets up a classic David and Goliath match up for the Jordan girls (19-6) who were scheduled to face No.1-ranked Crane (26-1) at in Baker City on Wednesday, March 1, at 1:30 p.m. Pacific time.
Prep squads from Nyssa and Adrian also qualified for postseason state tournament play last weekend.
The Adrian boys (21-7) defeated Myrtle Point 60-54 on Saturday, Feb. 25 to clinch a quarterfinal contest against North Douglas of Drain. They meet in Baker City, Thursday, March 2, at 3:15 p.m.
The Lady Bulldogs (22-4) beat Westside Christian 65-48 Saturday to qualify for a quarterfinal match up at North Bend High School, on Thursday, March 2. The Lady Bulldogs will face third-ranked Corbett.
Jordan Valley’s Kenzie Tuttle, a sophomore, paced the Mustang attack against South Wasco County with 23 points.
Jordan Valley co-coach Kelsi Skinner said her team stepped onto the court “super intense.”
“They took care of business and executed the game plan,” said Skinner.
Skinner said her team is excited about the game against Crane.
“It is a tough draw but at this point it is anybody’s night. I am super proud of the girls for getting here and they are playing so well as a team. I think we are peaking,” said Skinner.
The Lady Bulldogs busted open a close game against Westside Christian in the third quarter behind stingy defense, holding the visitors to just a single bucket in the frame.
Nyssa received a huge game from Gracie Johnson, who finished the contest with 44 points and 26 rebounds.
“We played a lot of girls, kept pushing the pace and wore them down defensively,” said Nyssa coach Jeremy Chamberlain.
The Vale girls varsity basketball team’s season ended Saturday after a 46-42 setback against Santiam Christian in state playoff action. Vale ends its season with a 16-11 overall record.

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