The Philomath High School boys basketball team created a cushion in the first half and then pulled away for good in the third quarter to post a 48-29 victory Tuesday night at Sweet Home.
The Warriors even their record at 7-7 on the season and get off to a 1-0 start in the Oregon West Conference. Philomath has won three straight and five of its last six.
Senior Caleb Russell found the sweet spot for shooting in the first half with three 3-pointers as the Warriors built a 22-14 lead by the break. Russell finished the game with a game-high 15 points.
Philomath went on an 11-2 run in the third quarter with four different players contributing on the scoreboard.
Senior Logan Matthews hit double figures in scoring as well with 10 points — his stat line included a 3-pointer in the fourth. Sophomore Jamin Peters added nine points.
Sophomore Kellen Hartsook led Sweet Home (3-11, 0-1) with 10 points.
Philomath will face North Marion at 7 p.m. Friday in the home gym. Newport stopped a six-game win streak for the Huskies Tuesday, 49-42. The Huskies come into the Philomath game with an 11-4 record and rankings of No. 7 (OSAAtoday coaches poll) and No. 8 (OSAA).
