Local Sports Journal

The Oakridge Eagles got off to a solid start in the first half, but then had to hang on for dear life in the second.

In the end, however, the Eagles survived with a 38-33 victory over Sparta.

“It was just one of those games,” Oakridge coach Terry DeJonge said. “Probably two good defensive teams because I wouldn’t say we shot poorly.”

Oakridge raced to a 13-2 lead after one quarter and led 19-10 at the half.

But in the second half, Sparta turned the tables a bit and pulled to within contention in the late going.

Ashley Weaver hit a pair of 3-pointers in the key fourth quarter and Sam Eely hit a baseline jumper with 2:30 left to give the Eagles a little breathing room.

Sparta countered with four 3-pointers in the final quarter as it attempted to battle back.

“We made the plays when we needed to,” DeJonge said. “We took them out of their rhythm and our pressure made them move a little quicker.”
Keyara Wiard led Oakridge (23-1) with 17 points and seven rebounds. Ashley Weaver added six points and three assists.
Karly Cnossen led Sparta with 14 points.