Tualatin High School’s basketball teams have shown up this season. Their hard work and determination was apparent as both men’s and women’s teams earned the Three Rivers League (TRL) Champion Award.
The women’s team had an overall record of 20-5. They beat Grant 45-19 in the first round of playoffs but barely fell short in the second round against Jesuit 31-39.
The men’s team won both the first and second round of the playoffs against Sunset and West Salem, moving onto the quarter finals at the Chiles Center at University of Portland. There, they played Barlow, taking the lead 62-46, and moving onto the semi-finals against Central Catholic. Unfortunately, Central Catholic scraped the win with the final score 73-67.
The Tualatin’s men’s team ended the season third in the state with an overall record of 22-7. The Wolf interviewed junior Jordyn Smith from the women’s basketball team and senior CJ Goodwin and junior Nolan Keeney from the men’s team about their seasons.
What was the highlight of your season?
Smith (S): “Beating West Linn the second time.”
Goodwin (G): “Beating Lincoln Park in the Capital City Classic.”
Keeney (K): “Playing at the Chiles Center.”
What is a moment from the season that stands out to you that reflects your team’s spirit?
(S): “The Tigard game, the second time when everyone was having fun and everyone got into the game.”
(G): “When we beat Jesuit in overtime at the LSI.”
(K): “Beating Lakeridge. It started a lot of good momentum for us.”
What was the biggest obstacle you and your team had to overcome throughout the season? How did the team bounce back?
(S): “Many, many injuries, but players stepped up and took on roles that they’re unfamiliar with and kept it rolling.”
(G): “Losing our two returning starters to injuries. We bounced back well, learning to fill the big roles that we were missing.”
(K): “Injuries. We somewhat bounced back.”
What was the team’s mindset going into playoffs?
(S): “Win.”
(G): “Win. Play every game like it’s your last.”
(K): “Win. Stay composed. Play for each other, and trust each other.”
As both seasons have officially concluded, it is clear that perseverance, tenacity and determination were not lacking. With both teams advancing throughout the playoffs and earning the TRL Champion Award, they should be extremely proud of the season they had.
