Boys Basketball
Cottage Grove – The Main Event
10-11, ranked #20
In the bonus: Cottage Grove has a huge matchup tomorrow against No. 13 Marist Catholic. The Lions can’t automatically qualify for the playoffs, but a win over Marist could be enough to push Cottage Grove into a high enough ranking to host a play-in game as opposed to traveling for the play-in game. Either way, the Lions will need captains Gannon Leach and Brennen Murphy to play well if they hope to upset Marist.
Pleasant Hill Billies
19-5, ranked #9
In the bonus: While the Billies are locked in for the playoffs, they’ll need to host either Sisters, La Pine, or Harrisburg this week for a battle for second-place in the league playoff. A win for the Billies would surely guarantee them a first-round bye, however due to state rules it’s unlikely Pleasant Hill’s second-round game would be at home.
Springfield
2-17, ranked #29
In the bonus: The Millers big game this week is at home against rival No. 15 Thurston on Tuesday. The junior class has led Springfield all season, with key contributions from juniors Isaiah Navarrete, Jackson Babbitt, Owen Fuller, Davonte Peterson, and Tanner Colter, among others. These Springfield players look to continue building chemistry that they’ll hopefully use to fuel the offseason and next season.
Thurston
10-10, ranked #15
In the bonus: While top three, and therefore an automatic playoff qualifier, seems highly unlikely at this point for Thurston, the Colts are still in an intense battle for the two at-large bids in Class 5A. Thus wins this week against Eagle Point and Springfield, the Midwestern League’s bottom two teams, are a must for Thurston. Walker Bonar continues to be the driving force on offense, and should continue that down the stretch.
*Records and rankings as of noon Tuesday.
Girls Basketball
Cottage Grove
4-17, ranked #31
In the bonus: The Lions got their first league win of the season last week, and now close out the season with a senior night game on Friday against No. 6 Marist Catholic. Cottage Grove played Marist close last time, losing by nine thanks to great team defense and 8 points from Jaylee Lima. The Lions will need another inspired performance to pull off the upset this time.
Creswell
17-6, ranked #16
In the bonus: The Bulldogs have the second seed in the Mountain Valley Conference at the end of regular season play, meaning they’ll have a home league playoff game on Friday against the winner of Harrisburg at Elmira. Either way, Creswell is in the postseason, and will need continued excellence from captains Dakota Carson and Lauren Bailey.
Springfield
17-5, ranked #1
In the bonus: Springfield has the Midwestern League title all but wrapped up, and can officially lock it up with a home win over rival No. 18 Thurston on Tuesday. The Millers have been rolling, winning 10 of their last 11 games thanks to stellar all-around play. They look to continue that roll this week.
Thurston
10-10, ranked #18
In the bonus: While a win at rival No. 1 Springfield would be nice for Thurston, the Colts big game this week is actually on Friday against No. 15 Eagle Point. A win for Thurston would put them one step closer to locking up the third MWL seed, which means an automatic playoff bid. Star Bailey Tovey looks to lead the Colts to the postseason for the second year in a row.
Wrestling – Boys league championships
- Cottage Grove heads to Cascade for the Class 4A Special District 2 boys championships. The Lions will need to contend with No. 2 Sweet Home, No. 6 Cascade, and No. 7 Philomath. Cottage Grove will be led by Carter Bengtson (138) and Nathan Abrams (285)
- Springfield and Thurston both compete at Thurston for the Midwestern League crown. Thurston, ranked No. 1 in the state in Class 5A, will be the heavy favorites. The Colts are led by Vaun Halstead (225) and Kolton Malone (152), while the Millers are led by Diego Medina (285).
Results
BOYS BASKETBALL
Tuesday, Feb. 7
Marshfield 72, Cottage Grove 57
Creswell 50, Siuslaw 28
Pleasant Hill 63, Sisters 47
North Eugene 63, Springfield 27
Churchill 77, Thurston 54
Thursday, Feb. 9
Pleasant Hill 51, Harrisburg 39
Friday, Feb. 10
North Bend 60, Cottage Grove 47
Creswell 60, Sisters 41
Ashland 57, Springfield 30
Monday, Feb. 13
Creswell 60, Elmira 31
Pleasant Hill 78, Siuslaw 41
GIRLS BASKETBALL
Tuesday, Feb. 7
Marshfield 45, Cottage Grove 26
Creswell 57, Siuslaw 13
Pleasant Hill 50, Sisters 24
Springfield 55, North Eugene 35
Thurston 43, Churchill 40
Thursday, Feb. 9
Pleasant Hill 57, Harrisburg 30
Friday, Feb. 10
Cottage Grove 45, North Bend 38
Creswell 61, Sisters 35
Springfield 81, Ashland 25
Monday, Feb. 13
Creswell 51, Elmira 30
Pleasant Hill 52, Siuslaw 9
Schedules
BOYS BASKETBALL
Friday, Feb. 17
Eagle Point at Thurston, 7 p.m.
Marist at Cottage Grove, 7:15 p.m.
Tuesday, Feb. 21
Thurston at Springfield, 7 p.m.
GIRLS BASKETBALL
Friday, Feb. 17
Eagle Point at Thurston, 5:30 p.m.
Marist at Cottage Grove, 5:45 p.m.
Tuesday, Feb. 21
Thurston at Springfield, 5:30 p.m.
WRESTLING
Saturday, Feb. 18
Cottage Grove at Cascade – 4A boys regional, TBD
Springfield, Thurston at 5A boys regional – THS, 9 a.m.
SWIMMING
Saturday, Feb. 18
All Classes at Tualatin Hills Aquatic Center (Beaverton)
