By Jeremy McDonald

jeremymcdonald73@gmail.com

PENDLETON, Ore.–  For the first-time since their 1994 Title, the Gervais Girls Basketball team will be looking for a State Title in Pendleton and second since their Covid-Shortened Season Title in 2021 following their 46-17 win over Monroe/Alsea Friday afternoon at the Pendleton Convention Center.  Carrying over the momentum from Thursday’s 38-28 victory over Western Christian into the 2A State Semis with their eyes set on Saturday night’s State Championship Game.

“It feels good because in the past years, we started off on a bad foot in the first game, we came in on a good start and let’s hope to finish it off,” Angela Villegas said.  “Communication is a big part of it, get some rest tonight and do everything right.”

Working the inside game, cleaning up their passes and using the transition game aided the Cougars in the win, jumping out to a 24-9 halftime lead.  Their defense picked up 14 steals, with Villegas and Josie Schultz each picking up three steals each and Gervais held the Dragons to 14.8-percent shooting, 8-for-54 from the field in the game as they stand one-game away from the Title.  But win-or-lose, to be in this game, as one of the last two teams to be competing for the title.

“We just got to play our hardest and play our game.  I know yesterday in our first game, we weren’t playing  as well as we could.  Tomorrow we just have to our best,” starts Olivia Boyd, who had a 16-point and 10-rebound double-double in the win.  “Especially getting to do it with Izzy, that’s great, it’s our last year together and she’s a senior.  So I just want to be able to go out there and bring home a Championship.”

Matilyn Richardson led Monroe/Alsea with six points and seven rebounds. Sarah Thompson had six points and six rebounds for the Dragons, who will play for third on Saturday afternoon.

Photos By Jeremy McDonald