The OSAA State Playoffs are here and the 1st round match-ups are coming up this weekend. Our boys claimed their 4th consecutive district title last week and now head into the state tournament as the 5th seed. They head into the 1st round as the clear favorites to come out on top of #12 ranked Nestucca, a nine man basketball team that hasn’t made the tournament in over 50 years. I interviewed junior Macha Angel and senior Zander Wright on what it will take to win this game and continue their run through the tournament.

Question #1 – What will be the biggest key to winning this game and making it to Pendleton

Macha – “Just staying disciplined and not going into the game overconfident and just thinking that we’re gonna blow them out.”

Zander – “Taking our practices seriously, I mean we can’t overlook them just because we’re coming in as the higher seed. We also just have to focus on defense and capitalize on our zone offense.”

Question #2 – How would you describe this team’s identity?

Macha – “Underrated.”

Zander – “We have a lot of culture and I think our best aspect is our “we over me”. We’re just a family and I think that’s the biggest part of it. Just being a family.”

Question #3 – What would you say is one key area the team should focus on executing to make a deep run in state?

Macha – “Definitely rebounding and executing our defense. Zone, man, and everything else.”

Zander – “We just need to push the ball and look for open lanes that we need to fill. Keep working on our defense, our communication, and just working as a cohesive unit.”

Question #4 – As an upperclassmen, what is one thing you would like the lower classes to learn from you?

Macha – “Definitely my intensity during the game when it’s really needed.”

Zander – “Take your time and have fun with it all. You only have 4 years of it so just have a blast and take everything serious as well.”

The boys play at home this Friday 2/27 at 5:30 PM. Doors open at 4:30 so be sure to show up early to claim your seats and cheer on our boys.

MB