SPRINGFIELD
Tipping off: The No. 2 Millers (21-2) complete their regular season this week with two games. First, the Millers host No. 16 North Eugene (12-11) on Tuesday, past The Chronicle’s deadline, before traveling to No. 3 Crater (20-4) on Friday. Friday’s match against Crater is the game to watch, as the two teams have been side by side in the Class 5A state rankings all year. The Millers won their first matchup in dominant fashion 73-52. For that to happen again, the Millers must continue to bring pressure defensively while taking easy points in the paint via NuNu Filipe.
THURSTON
Tipping off: The No. 18 Colts (8-14) end their season this week with two home games. On Tuesday, the Colts face No. 31 Churchill (4-20) before playing No. 28 Ashland (4-17) on Friday. The Colts beat both these teams this season, winning 48-11 and 58-24 to the respective teams.
COTTAGE GROVE
Tipping off: The No. 16 Lions finish their season with two away games. On Tuesday the Lions face No. 1 Stayton (18-3). On Friday, they face No. 4 Marist (16-6). The Lions must win both these games to have a chance at the playoffs.
CRESWELL
Tipping off: The No. 4 Bulldogs have a bye in the first round of the Class 3A playoffs this week. On Saturday, they will compete against the winner of No. 13 Jefferson (16-8) and No. 20 Burns (15-11) in the second round. The Bulldogs have yet to face either team this season. The Bulldogs rely on scorers like Elliette Kinney and Kylie Leonard.
PLEASANT HILL
Tipping off: The No. 7 Billies have a bye in the first round of the Class 3A playoffs this week. On Saturday in the second round, the Billies face No. 10 Coquille (18-6). The teams did not face each other this season. To come out on top, the Billies must establish an inside presence and develop a lead early to prevent forced shots from deep.
