By Jeremy McDonald
Jeremymcdonald73@gmail.com
FOREST GROVE, Ore.– Well. Cascade gave themselves a chance late.
Down 21-4 by the 6:49 mark of the second quarter, the Cougars drew back in Oregon West Conference foe Philomath to within five with 2:53 left in the game. It was one four times that Cascade got it down to a two possession game late in the game after trailing by nearly 20 to start the game Friday afternoon.
“That battle, being down 21-4 just getting to five shows the heart and the soul that they play with,” said Cascade Head Coach Nick Randall. “The resolve that they came out with and just battled the whole second half. It is what it is, to a point we just ran out of time.”
Olivia Bennett hit all four of her three-pointers in the second half. Newton, the teams sparkplug on defense, knocked down the Cougars other two three-pointers as Cascade came around on both sides of the ball after the squad slow start to the game. But Philomath’s length kept Cascade at bay as the Cougars will look to take third Saturday against Baker.
“That Philomath team is good. They’re long, and their length becomes a problem for us in moments,” said Randall. “Your goal is always to win. Our goal was to get to the tournament, that’s number one, and win our last game. Whether it’s the State Title, third-place game or it’s the fourth-place game. Get to the tournament and win your last game, and now we have an opportunity for that.”
Anneka Steen and Reagan Heiken each led the Warriors with 15 points. Philomath will play Stayton in the 4A State Title Game.
Photos By Jeremy McDonald
