By Jeremy McDonald

jeremymcdonald73@gmail.com

PENDLETON, Ore.–  You just knew that if this was a close game at halftime and the nerves were gone, that Gervais would do Gervais things.

They did.  Now they’re State Champions.  Turning a 17-15 deficit into 29-19 lead early in the third quarter after a Sofia Contreras three-pointer.  Their defense clamped up more than they did in the first, their offense started to hit a few more shots when they needed it the most.  Completing, perhaps, the misfortunes of Pendleton of the last few years as they complete one of those runs to the Title.

“I can’t even describe it, it’s so beyond amazing.  I’m just so dang proud that we could do it, I’m so proud.  Being a part of this program was the best thing I’ve ever done, it’s amazing.  I love these girls, my High School coaches, they’re some of the best people I know and I’m so lucky to be apart of this program,” said a tearful Izzy Boyd,  “

Stanfield got it to 31-21 after Gervais got their lead to 31-19, Olivia Boyd pushed the lead back to 12.  Then the junior made a pair with 3:20 left within the game as tue seconds began to countdown for them up 35-21.

Nerves may have crept back, but they never let up as they swarmed the court.  Celebrating, hugging, crying knowing what they had accomplished not just in this game, but all season. Their defense never gave up their fundamentals and it led right into their offense in transition, holding the Vikings to four second half points in the 37-21 State Victory Saturday evening at the Portland Convention Center.  Their first in Pendleton since 1994 and second since the 2020-2021 season where they won the Covid-Shortened Season.

“Defense definitely is our offense.  We’ve been working at it all season for this moment.  This whole season, the whole work-up, practicing defense, it led to this moment and this win,” Sofia Contreas said.  “It’s amazing, especially for our seniors, it’s my senior year.  It was a whole team effort from start-to-finish.  We know coming out at halftime, we were fired up, we were ready.  This was our chance and I think we ran with it.”

“We were going to re-group and take it to them,” adds Boyd.  “Leave it all on the court has been the motto this morning and this afternoon.”

Ava Sellers and Contreas each scored nine points to lead Gervais in the win.  Izzy Boyd scored seven points with eight rebounds and Josie Schutlz had six points, six rebounds and three blocks in the victory for the Cougars.

Alexis Mallory had six points and four rebounds to lead the Tigers.  Adrienne Mallory contributed five points with two steals in Stanfield’s Runner-Up finish.

Photos By Jeremy McDonald