By Jeremy McDonald

jeremymcdonald73@gmail.com

STAYTON, Ore.— The Lady Eagles of Stayton enjoyed some time away from their basketball operations on Monday as they focused on healing up for the final push for the playoffs.

Sitting third in the Oregon West Conference at 13-5 overall, 4-2 in the OWC and within spitting distance of both Cascade (19-1, 6-0) and North Marion (14-6, 5-1) for the first and second spots in conference; their sights are on the top spot.

“We are prepped and ready to go,” said Stayton Head Coach Melissa Hollenbeck.  “We’re taking each game one game at a time, as we should, and not overlooking anyone.

“We got to get by (Yamhill-Carlton).  This is our next adventure and we will get after it, play hard and continue to learn and continue to grow each and every game.”

Junior guard Mariah Hollenbeck added that, yeah the break was nice and all, but they need to practice as they play if they hope to finish the season strong.

“It was really needed to have that break, but then we have to come back to practice and play with intensity,” said Mariah Hollenbeck. “It is very important to finish strong, practice as we play.”

Though some teams find it hard to gear it back up following an extra day or two away from playing; Melissa Hollenbeck is confident that her team, through all the prepping and fine tuning somethings leading up to Friday’s game.

“That’s one of the things though, just prepping yourself for those games and making practice time more tougher than the games are,” she said.  “The girls are ready to go, they’re excited, they want the games.  Everyone hates practice but loves the games.”

Feeling good and healthy, the Lady Eagles will lace it up and tip it off versus the Tigers for that final push for the playoffs and the OWC Title Friday Night at 5:30pm at home.

“(We’re) getting geared up for that final run for the second half of the season,” said Melissa Hollenbeck. “We have four more league games that we want to finish strong and that’s where we’re at right now. “

REMIANING SCHEDULE

2/12     Vs. Yamhill-Carlton  5:30pm

2/16     @ North Marion       5:30pm

2/19     vs. Cascade                5:30pm

2/23     vs. Philomath             5:30pm

Jeremy McDonald is a professional sports journalist in the Salem/Portland area and is a member of the Society of Professional Journalist in Oregon with B.S. degrees from Southern Oregon University in Journalism (2011) and Health/PE (2013).  Got a story idea? Email him at jeremymcdonald73@gmail.com or on Twitter at @J_McDonald81!