Second-ranked South Eugene too much for West Linn girls

By Matthew Sherman

The West Linn Tidings, Mar 11, 2010

ADVERTISEMENTS

In two seasons, the South Eugene girls basketball team has only lost one game to an Oregon opponent. That one loss was a nine-point defeat against No. 1 Oregon City in the state title game last season.

The Lady Axemen are experienced, balanced and also have one of the better home court advantages in the state, always packing the house for important games.

West Linn knew exactly what to expect this year, having made the daunting trip in the round of 16 last season and losing 68-44.

The Lions fared a little better this time around, holding their own through the better part of the first half before a late second quarter run and a quick start in the third quarter sealed West Linn's fate this year as the team lost 52-31.

West Linn shook off some early nerves and weathered South Eugene's early storm to stay within striking distance.

The Lions were ready for the loud cheering section and weren't nearly as fazed this time around.

"We prepared for it and being here before made a huge difference. I think the kids were much more confident," coach Glen Lee said.

The Lady Axemen led 16-8 after the first period but the Lions were able to cut into that deficit early in the second quarter.

With just a few minutes remaining in the half and with both teams settling into the flow of the game, the Lions were just a break or two away from tying the game.

West Linn did a nice job enduring South Eugene's heavy full-court pressure, minimizing its turnovers and making sure that the deficit didn't get out of hand.

But South Eugene got hot in the final minutes of the first half. The Lady Axemen knocked down a trio of three-pointers in the second quarter and would take a 29-17 lead into the break.

1 | 2 Next Page >>