The Philomath High School girls basketball team won its eighth straight game with a 58-44 victory Saturday afternoon in Tigard over Westside Christian.
The Warriors (17-3) never trailed with leads of 16-9 at the end of the first, 32-19 at halftime and 48-33 going into the fourth quarter.
The Eagles (18-5), a Class 3A school that appears to be headed toward a Lewis and Clark League title, was primarily a threat from the outside with seven 3-pointers in the game, including three in the opening quarter.
“They had some players and didn’t miss any free throws,” PHS coach Ben Silva said. “We led the whole time and did a good job weathering their pushes.”
Freshman Reagan Heiken proved to be effective for the Warriors with a game-high 20 points on eight field goals and 4 of 4 on free throws. Sophomore Emily Taunisila threw in 13 points with seven of those coming in the opening quarter when Philomath established itself. Juniors Anneka Steen and Zoee Howard scored nine and eight points, respectively.
Westside Christian junior Ava Mai scored 16 points and junior teammate Jamie Hunter added 13 — those two combining for five of the team’s seven 3-pointers. The Eagles were 9 for 9 from the foul line.
Philomath at the end of the week was sitting in the No. 3 spot in the OSAA rankings behind Astoria and Henley. The Warriors have two major tests on the horizon with No. 5 Stayton on Thursday and No. 8 Cascade on Feb. 20 — both on the road. Up next, however, will be a senior night home game against Sweet Home at 5:30 p.m. Monday.
