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John L. Braese
NYSSA – As the reigning 3A state girls’ basketball champions, the Nyssa Bulldogs entered the season with a target on their back. Everyone always wants to take down number one. Entering a crowded field of talented 3A teams this year, the sixth-seeded Bulldogs to an additional step towards a repeat of last year’s accomplishment on Saturday, Feb. 25 with a 65-48 win over the Westside Christian Eagles.
The Eagles started the game with an upset in mind and led briefly, 4-3 at the 5 minute, 38 second point in the first quarter. Westside Christian matched the Dawgs point for point in the first eight minutes with the score tied at 17 points as the second quarter started.
Nyssa was able to pull away slightly from the Eagles in the second quarter and as the two teams entered the locker room, the Bulldogs led 38-32.
EOS assumes Nyssa coach Jeremy Chamberlain discussed defense in the locker room as the Bulldogs came out in the third quarter and held Westside Christian to only three points for the quarter, a shot at the buzzer by Bobbie-Skyy Ragsdale. With a comfortable margin in hand, Nyssa cruised to the win and a ticket to North Bend High School as a final eight team.
Gracie Johnson ripped the Eagles defense for 44 points.
“Gracie was unstoppable in this game and its fun to watch when she gets going and has nights like that,” said Chamberlain. “You could see it from the opening tip and she was very aggressive minded and was not going to be denied in this game.”
Even with the offensive output, Chamberlain gave credit to wearing down the Eagles after a quick start by Westside Christian.
“It was a good team effort, we rotated a lot of girls and wore them down as the game went on,” he said. “In the second half, we were very disciplined and made good shot selections. When we did miss, we did a good job on the offensive boards to get a second look. Morgan Johns did a great job on the backside and rebounding and Asbel Telles-Jacques came in off the bench and played good defense for us.”
“It was a good overall game for us,” said Johns. “We came out with intensity we needed in the second half and played like we knew we could.”
“Westside made it tough for us in the first quarter but we kept mentally tough,” said Nyssa senior Lauren Sapp. “We played more aggressive on defense as the game continued.”
Chamberlain said the team discussed this point in the season at the very beginning of the year.
“The girls made it a goal to get back to Coos Bay and that goal is now reality,” he said. “I am very proud of the improvements that they have made and the growth shown over the second half of the season.”
Exactly what team the Bulldogs will face on Thursday, March 2 is yet to be determined. Third seeded Corbett hosts 14th seeded Coquille on Monday, Feb. 27 with the winner to face Nyssa.