La Grande secured a spot in the OSAA/OnPoint Community Credit Union 4A boys basketball championship game with a 62-56 victory over Madras on March 13 at Forest Grove High School.
The win puts La Grande one step away from its first state title, highlighting the team’s progress and determination throughout the season. The Tigers will face Marist Catholic in the final.
Blake Hildebrandt led La Grande with 20 points, while Beckett Hutchins contributed 16 points and six rebounds. Landon Hood added nine points, seven rebounds, and eight assists. “It’s amazing,” Hildebrandt said. “We have an opportunity to win the first championship for La Grande and I think we can put it together. It’s just another important game and we’ve already been through a lot of that important stuff, so we’re ready.”
Coach Shawn Brooks reflected on the team’s journey since last year’s early playoff exit, saying, “This is a dream come true, but we’re still hungry. We’ve got one more game. We told these kids at the beginning of the season that we’re a championship-caliber team.” Brooks added, “I don’t think everyone believed it… Hopefully, we can bring the Tigers their first state championship ever.”
Madras coach Nick Brown credited La Grande’s shooting: “Credit to La Grande. They shot it really well today… they did a good job taking away our 3s.” Brown also noted key moments when Madras struggled defensively and missed opportunities: “Those are the little mistakes that added up over the course of a big-time playoff game.”
In other semifinal action, Marist Catholic defeated Estacada 63-47 to reach its first final since 2008. Gianni Lombardi scored 21 points for Marist Catholic and said about their upcoming matchup: “Yeah, we’re ready… We’ll bring it up another notch.” Coach Bart Pollard emphasized his team’s physical play and defensive identity.
Scappoose won against St. Helens in consolation play, while Molalla eliminated Hidden Valley to advance to Saturday’s fourth-place game.
