SPRINGFIELD (18-2)
■ Tipping off: The No. 2 Millers have one game this week, at No. 14 Eagle Point (11-8) on Friday. The Millers have dominated every Class 5A team in their path this season, and this should be no different. The duo of NuNu Filipe and Darissa Romero-Ah Sam has been dominant this season. With only five games left before the playoffs begin, it’s important that the duo and the rest of the team stay healthy in preparation for the postseason..
THURSTON: (8-11)
■ Tipping off: The No. 18 Colts have two games this week. First, they travel to Class 6A No. 19 Lake Oswego (10-8) on Tuesday, after The Chronicle’s deadline. Then on Friday, the Colts host No. 3 Crater (16-4). The Colts are looking to finish the season strong after a couple tough losses last week. To win this week, they’ll need to shoot the ball at an efficient clip while matching their opponents’ rebound numbers.
COTTAGE GROVE (11-8)
■ Tipping off: The No. 16 Lions have two road games this week. First, they take on No. 4 Marist (13-4) on Tuesday before heading to No. 26 Marshfield (3-16) on Friday. For the Lions, this week is all about raising their position in the state rankings. While it’s almost certain they’ll get the victory over Marshfield on Friday, Tuesday’s game against Marist is a big opportunity. If the Lions finish this week 2-0, they’ll likely solidify their position in the playoffs.
CRESWELL (16-6)
■ Tipping off: The No. 4 Bulldogs finish their season this week with two games. First, they’ll travel to No. 26 Elmira (10-11) on Tuesday before finishing their season at home against No. 6 Pleasant Hill (16-6) on Friday. The Bulldogs have been hot as of late. It’s important they’re able to bottle this success and take it into the playoffs. A big boost to that energy would come from defeating their cross-town rival Pleasant Hill to end the year. If the Bulldogs want to finish 18-6, they simply must keep trusting their stars. Elliette Kinney and Mila Nguyen have been incredible for the Bulldogs this year. It would be hard to see that stopping now.
PLEASANT HILL (16-6)
■ Tipping off: The No. 6 Billies have two games to finish their regular season this week. The Billies play No. 5 Sisters (17-5) at home on Tuesday before traveling to No. 4 Creswell (16-6) on Friday. While this is a gauntlet to end the season, the Billies are no strangers to tough competition. In their prior matchups this season, the Billies took down Sisters 42-37 and kept it close against Creswell before losing 53-44. If the Billies can get a few 3-pointers to fall in these games while winning the turnover battle, it’s very likely they’ll finish the year 18-6.
