Philomath High School senior Jacob Peters had a career night with 30 points and 20 rebounds in a playoff-tuneup game Friday night against Astoria. The Warriors pulled away for a 66-57 victory in a game played on a neutral court at Banks.
With Philomath leading 29-26 at halftime, Peters had a huge third quarter with 13 points to help the Warriors to a seven-point advantage going into the fourth. He finished with 12 baskets and was 6 for 6 from the free-throw line.
Both No. 5 Philomath and No. 8 Astoria were getting in extra court time in preparation for the Class 4A playoffs. The first round is scheduled for March 1 with the Warriors securing a home game while the Fishermen will go on the road.
Opponents for the two teams will be determined when the four play-in games are completed. On Friday, two Oregon West Conference teams advanced into the field of 16 with victories by Newport over Cottage Grove, 76-54, and North Marion over The Dalles, 85-68. The other two games — Pendleton at Marshfield and Hidden Valley at Scappoose — are scheduled for Saturday.
The Warriors secured the win over Astoria despite missing two starters. Preston Kramer, the team’s top scorer, and Connor Harms, a key presence in the post, were both sick and unable to play. Besides Peters, the Warriors got several other key contributions, including junior Caleb Russell’s 13 points, a performance that included a pair of 3-pointers. Junior Logan Matthews hit for seven with a 3-pointer and 4 for 4 from the foul line. Senior Kaden Muir added six on three hoops.
On a side note, the three Peters brothers — sophomore Josiah and freshman Jamin in addition to Jacob — all saw time on the floor in the contest.
