PLEASANT HILL (20-4, 10-0)
■ Tipping off: On Saturday, the Billies host the winner of Wednesday’s league playoff matchup between Creswell and Elmira. The Billies have won both matchups this season against Creswell (and seven in a row overall against their rivals). In Friday’s matchup between the two, the three Melvin brothers combined for 45 points, while Jacob Neely added 16 of his own. If it is No. 13 Elmira, the Billies have won both matchups and held the Falcons to 46.5 points per game.
CRESWELL (15-8, 7-3)
■ Tipping off: The Bulldogs face No. 13 Elmira (15-9, 6-4) on Wednesday at 6 p.m. in a Mountain Valley Conference league playoff matchup. Last week, the Falcons defeated the Bulldogs 63-58 on the strength of a 23-12 first quarter. Bulldogs coach Jesse Thomas said he expects to have leading scorer Ace Arnold back after he hurt his ankle against the Falcons on Tuesday. The Bulldogs will need to find some consistency from the free throw line, after going just 11-of-30 in two games last week.
THURSTON (16-5, 8-1)
■ Tipping off: The Colts face No. 14 Churchill (11-8, 6-2) on Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. in their only game this week. The Colts defeated the Lancers 60-39 in their first matchup, holding them to a season-low point total. Leo Filipe led the Colts with 19 points and six rebounds in that one, while Lucas LaBounty added 18 points and nine rebounds. If the Colts defeat Springfield on Tuesday, Feb. 17, they could clinch a Midwestern League title by defeating the Lancers.
COTTAGE GROVE (5-16, 3-6)
■ Tipping off: The Lions play their penultimate league game on Thursday against No. 27 North Bend (5-19, 0-9). The Bulldogs have lost nine in a row and 12 of their past 13, including both games against the Lions. The Bulldogs have lost multiple starters to injury this season. The Lions have held the Bulldogs to only 51.5 points per game in their two matchups this season.
SPRINGFIELD (2-18, 1-7)
■ Tipping off: The Millers have two league games this week. On Friday, they travel to No. 17 Ashland (12-9, 3-6). The Grizzlies have lost four in a row; the Millers’ losing streak is at six games. Earlier this season, the Grizzlies defeated the Millers 83-44. On Tuesday, Springfield welcomes No. 6 North Eugene (18-4, 6-3). The Highlanders have won six of their past seven games, including defeating the Millers 96-42.
