NOTE: additional details added after reports were submitted after the posting deadline for this story.
Central Valley Conference basketball featured some nailbiting games in game two of the season on Tuesday.
Here is a rundown, beginning with the boys contests.
West Salem 72, South Salem 69
West Salem’s Connor Oertel hit one of two free throws with five seconds left in the game, and the Titans held off a spirited charge from South Salem to claim a 72-69 Central Valley Conference victory at West High on Tuesday night.
Oertel had 26 points to lead West in a game that included runs by both teams, and also involved some decidedly physical play.
The Titans raced out to an early 10-0 advantage in the first quarter, but after a time out, the Saxons rattled off seven straight points and the two teams went toe-to-toe for the rest of contest.
West led 14-13 at the end of the first quarter, and 33-30 at the half.
South Salem—paced by 32 points from sophomore Teagan Scott, and 15 from senior Eli Gabriel—actually took a brief three-point lead midway through the third quarter. But West countered with scoring from Oertel, reigning co-player of the year Jackson Leach, and sophomore Demari Hall to take a 55-50 advantage at the end of the third quarter. Hall had a breakaway steal and dunk with 2:10 remaining in the period to bring the home crowd to its feet.
The fourth quarter became a physical battle that included several offensive fouls and one technical foul following a pile-up of players on the floor.
The closing minute of the contest featured two decisive plays.
With 43 seconds left, West junior Kaden Martirano completed a three-point play off a pass from Leach. At the other end of the floor, Martirano had a steal and then finished under the West basket with the lay-up and the free throw off the shooting foul to give the Titans a five point lead.
With 14 seconds left—South’s Teagan Scott had a chance to tie the game with a drive to the bucket. But he traveled in the process, and West finished the game with one of two free throws by Oertel to post the victory.
West coach Travis Myers says his team knows that being defending conference champions puts a target on their backs—and South’s performance was a reflection of that mindset. Still, he says his team learned some lessons about their own performance during the game.
“I think we can be better on both ends of the floor than we were tonight,” reflected Myers.
“I thought we missed a lot of shots we typically make, and gave them some easy looks that we haven’t been giving up most of the year.”
South Salem (0-1) returns home on Friday to entertain Sprague (2-0). West Salem (2-0) has a bye, before returning to CVC play next Tuesday against Sprague.
Sprague 68, North Salem 63
Greg Comer scored 21 points for Sprague, and the Olympians held off a determined North Salem squad to record a 68-63 home victory.
Comer and post Dukkati Witherspoon hit late shots to keep the visiting Vikings at arm’s length. Olys coach Jordan Graneto says his team was fortunate to hold off North.
“They came in and played a lot harder than us and were the hungrier team,” says Graneto
“We were lucky to close out the game with how we were playing on both sides of the ball.”
Comer and Witherspoon were the clutch players late for Sprague. The Olympians (2-0) also got 11 points from Grayson Long.
North Salem’s Maverick Huynh topped North Salem scoring with 21 points. Keplan Barram had 15 points as part of the Viking attack.
North Salem (0-2) will host McNary (0-1) on Friday. Sprague travels to South Salem (1-1) for their Friday CVC matchup.
South Eugene 75, McNary 72 (Non-League)
In a back-and-forth ball game in Keizer, the host Celtics had a chance for a victory, but came up short against the Axe.
With 15 seconds left when Steven Adams runner in the lane rimmed out. McNary fouled and then tried a three pointer at the horn—but also saw the ball go in and out.
Adams topped McNary scoring with 20 points, while senior wing Ethan Wollangk added 13.
McNary (0-1) travels to North Salem on Friday for their next CVC contest.
CVC GIRLS BASKETBALL-TUESDAY
West Salem 61, South Salem 31
Defending conference champion West Salem ran over a South Salem squad weakened by illness in their contest at South High.
South was limited to single digit scoring in every quarter. West Salem’s 21-point third quarter blew the game open for the Titans.
Sophomore Emma Zuniga topped all West Salem scorers with 22 points, while Chica Casas added 13. West improves to 2-0 on the CVC season.
Sadie Paterson had nine points to lead the Saxons (0-1).
Coach Katie Singleton says her team was fun to watch.
“We have been focusing a lot on defensive intensity and communication,” said Singleton.
“I thought the girls did a great job with that!”
West Salem has a bye on Friday night, while South will play at Sprague in CVC play.
Sprague 68, North Salem 28
Olympian sophomore Carly Skogstand had 21 points, and teammate Aubrey Dietrich added 11 as Sprague rolled past North Salem in CVC girls action on Tuesday.
All 12 players scored for the Olympians as they raced out to a 38-10 halftime lead.
Sprague coach Kevan Hanson says his team’s efforts produced a running clock in the fourth quarter of the game.
“Our girls defended well, scored in transition and played a great game,” says Hanson.
“We look forward to getting back to work and prepare for South on Friday.”
Sprague even its league record to 1-1 with the CVC victory. North Salem fell to 0-2.
Sprague will travel to South for their upcoming contest.
McNary 51, South Eugene 42 (Non-league)
Coach Mike McShane’s McNary Celtic squad picked up a win outside of conference play Tuesday night, posting a nine-point victory at South Eugene.
Coach Mike McShane’s McNary Celtic squad picked up a win outside of conference play Tuesday night, posting a nine-point victory at South Eugene.
In a decidedly team victory, Bethany Villegas was the leading scorer for the Celts with 12 points and 3 steals. Ava Rubio added 10 points, 8 rebounds, 3 steals, and 5 assists; Aspynn Westby had both 7 points & 7 rebounds, awhile Avery Buss chipped in 6 steals, 8 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists.
The Celtics (1-0) return to Central Valley Conference play on Friday, hosting North Salem (0-2) in Keizer.