By Jeremy McDonald

jeremymcdonald73@gmail.com

TIGARD, Ore.–  Regis and Westside Christian managed to get their game in-between the snowflakes that have plagued the region the past few days when the two undefeated squads met up Monday night.

And initially it looked as if the game would be a good one as both teams were toe-to-toe with one another.  The 2A Rams in one of their first tough challenges of the year and the Eagles looking to overcome the adversity of having three players not being able to play in the 53-35 victory for the 3A Westside Christian Eagles.

“We’re playing bigger teams, so it’s going to give us better experience.  Our schedule is kind of lighter and we’re playing all the top 3A teams, it’s going to help us,” Regis’ Nick Woods said.

“It was definitely a battle with three or four people out and another one out in the middle of the game,” adds Westside’s Carson Snodgrass.  “We had to get energy from each other and have our bench in the game and get energy from them too.. it’s really good to see, especially for the future.”

What looked like the makings of a battle early on turned against Regis and in favor of Westside Christian in the opening half.  The Rams were able to drive to the hoop on the Eagles defense, but couldn’t finish as Westside Christian was able to turn and burn to the other side of the court.

Snodgrass led the first half charge, scoring 11 of his 14 points in the first half with the Eagles leading 26-15 at halftime.

“It was helpful being able to push out on the break early and get to the rim,” Snodgrass said.  “It pressured them early to give them the press.  We were able to get the energy up early.”

Eli Lerman outdid his teammate in the second half with 12 of his game-high 18 points with Westside Christian pushing their lead to 42-25 by quarters end.

Their defense, despite down a few players entering the game and losing Ben Lammers during the third quarter, dominated in the inside.  Collapsing on the lanes and playing sound on the perimeter to hold the Rams in check.

Woods led Regis with 16 points, Isaiah Koehnke contributed seven and Grant Goesch had six as the Rams took this eye-opening experience into Salem Academy’s Crusader Classic New Year’s Invitational later this week and Central Valley Conference-play next week.

“It was frustrating because we missed a lot of easy opportunities that got us closer.  But it helps us a lot.  It helps us see where we are and where we need to be.  It helps us know what we need to work on,” Koehnke said.

Westside travels to Pleasant Hill Thursday before opening Lewis and Clark League play against De La Salle North Catholic January 4 on the road.  

Photos By Jeremy McDonald