PENDLETON — Western Christian put together a 24-12 run in the fourth quarter to break open a close game and beat Portland Christian 52-40 in the OSAA/OnPoint Community Credit Union 2A boys basketball final Saturday at the Pendleton Convention Center.
It’s the second consecutive title for the Pioneers (27-3), who became the first team to win back-to-back titles since Irrigon in 2014-15.
“It’s kind of surreal,” Western Christian coach Geoff Martin said. “I don’t even know what to say. It all comes down to preparation. This is the fourth state title they have played in. They were ready for the moment. This is why you play the game.
The game was a rematch of last year’s title game, where the Pioneers beat the Royals 62-36 and finished the season 28-0. Western Christian also won titles in 2011, 2019 and 2022.
“I have to give them credit,” Portland Christian coach Erik Lyslo said of the Pioneers. “They are a well-oiled machine. My hat’s off to them for the way they run their program.”
Portland Christian (27-3) came out and took a 12-11 lead after the first quarter, and the Royals enjoyed a 25-20 lead at the half as the Pioneers missed a few easy shots off the glass.
Western Christian went on an 8-3 run in the third quarter, behind three points each from Caleb Halgren and Lucas Zook to forge a 28-28 tie heading into the fourth quarter.
“The third quarter was the downfall for us,” Lyslo said. “There was a lid on the basket. As good as they are, you have to score. I’m super proud of our kids.”
The fourth quarter belonged to the Pioneers.
Western Christian scored the first four points of the quarter, and went 12 of 14 from the free-throw line to pull away from the Royals
Gavin Hall, who finished with 19 points and nine rebounds for the Pioneers, scored 11 of his points in the fourth quarter.
It’s the third title for Hall, who won his freshman, junior and senior seasons.
“This is the best one,” said Hall, who celebrated his 18th birthday on Saturday. “I feel like me and the guys lead this team. We are the guys. Everyone has a role. Those guys (Caleb Brown, Halgren and Zook) are the reason we are here. Defense wins championships.”
Halgren added 11 points and five rebounds, while Zach Sommer had nine points and Brown four assists.
Ethan Larner led the Royals with 12 points, while Joseph Diesel had 11 points and 10 rebounds, and Keylon Kittleson added nine points and three assists.
In other trophy games, Oakland beat Regis 77-69 in the third-place game, while Stanfield beat East Linn Christian 62-52 in the consolation championship game.
Oakland won the sportsmanship award.
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