The Philomath High School boys basketball team remained in contention for an automatic berth to the Class 4A playoffs with a come-from-behind 62-56 victory Friday evening at Stayton.
If Philomath can win its regular-season home finale Tuesday against Newport, the Warriors would finish second in the Oregon West Conference standings behind Cascade, which has already clinched the league title. The top two teams advance to the 4A playoffs while the others try to make it in through play-in games.
Stayton (12-10 overall, 3-6 Oregon West) shot out to a 16-7 lead in the first quarter with senior Eli Kuenzi scoring seven of his team-high 16 points. The Eagles were up by seven points at halftime as Philomath showed signs of executing better on offense. Sophomore Esias Sapp provided a boost of the bench with five points, including a 3-pointer.
In the second half, Philomath’s offense shifted into high gear and scored 43 points. Senior Caleb Russell started burying 3-pointers and finished with three of the long-range shots as part of his 17 points on the evening. Senior Logan Matthews had 12 points while senior Zack Powers and Sapp each added 11.
The game proved to be a physical matchup with a combined 45 fouls called. Philomath went to the free-throw line 33 times and made 19, including 11 of 18 alone in the fourth quarter.
In addition to Kuenzi’s 16, junior Rueben Reyes scored 14 and junior Mason Silbernagel added 11.
Senior Ethan Whieldon, who scored 15 in the first meeting against Philomath, was held to two points through the first three quarters and seven for the game.
The Philomath-Newport game on Tuesday is slated for a 5:30 p.m. tipoff. The program will recognize the team’s seniors.
