Wilsonville Spokesman Online

Boys basketball: Wildcats meet Klamath Union with trip to Eugene on the line

Wilsonville will host Pelicans in state-playoff matchup on Saturday

• By: Alex Tam  
• Published: 3/4/2010 12:59:33 PM

Photo By: Courtesy David WeaverBoys basketball: Kevin Marshall
Wilsonville High School sophomore Kevin Marshall and the No. 2 Wildcats will host Klamath Union on Saturday in the first round of the Class 5A state playoffs at home.

Just one game separates No. 2 Wilsonville from a second straight trip to the OSAA Class 5A state tournament.

On Saturday, the Wildcats will host Klamath Union - the No. 2 seed from the Southern Sky Conference - at Wilsonville High School in the first round of the Class 5A state playoffs.

The winner advances to the tournament to most likely face defending state champion and No. 1 Jefferson on Thursday, March 11 at 3:15 p.m. at McArthur Court in Eugene.

But like they have all season long, the Wildcats are only looking ahead to Saturday and getting another chance at a state title.

“From the outset of the season, one of the goals our kids have set was getting back to Mac Court,” coach Chris Roche said. “I think they really want that. I am hopeful they will be focused on this game and appreciate that with a great effort, we can feel good no matter what the outcome.”

Wilsonville (23-2 overall, 13-1 Northwest Oregon) finished the season as the outright NWOC champions for the first time, capping the league season with a 50-49 victory over Sherwood on Wednesday, Feb. 24 on the road.

Klamath Union (19-9, 8-4 Southern Sky) finished just two games behind league champion Ashland (18-8, 10-2). The Pelicans have several weapons, including 6-5 post Taylor Kochenderfer, wing Randy Denson and wing Deon McLaughlin.

“KU is a very good team from a tough league,” Roche said. “They are athletic and deep. They want to press and push the ball up the floor, utilizing their crew of talented guys.

“Around those guys are a bunch of guys who can shoot threes and attack the rim. So their style of play and athletes will present challenges for us on defense. And their relentless pressing will present challenges when we have the ball.”

Wilsonville enters with an eight-game winning streak and haven’t lost in more than a month since a 44-42 loss to Hillsboro on Jan. 22.

Roche said a win Saturday will just add to what has already been a special season no matter what.

“They are about the best group of kids in the world as far as I’m concerned,” he said. “We can take pride in all of that no matter what, and those things are not changing based on Saturday. So I think the Saturday game probably offers opportunity as much as anything else — one more opportunity to compete, lead and fight. A chance to add to things we have accomplished this season.”

Last season, Wilsonville defeated Ashland 66-59 in the Class 5A state playoffs at home to advance to the state tournament where it took third place.

The Wildcats went 2-1 in the tournament, losing to league rival Century in the state semifinals, 41-40, before beating North Eugene, 44-41, for third.

“I am excited to see how we play Saturday, how we handle the situation and the opportunity,” Roche said. “These kids have been in these situations before and that is definitely an advantage. And they know what they need to do to be successful. No matter what happens on Saturday, though, I love this team and I am proud of everything they have accomplished.”

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