North Clackamas Christian secured its first-ever girls basketball state championship on March 7, defeating top-seeded Imbler 60-48 in the OSAA/OnPoint Community Credit Union 1A girls basketball final at Baker High School.
The win marks a historic achievement for the Saints, who had never before reached the championship game. The team was led by twins Keslynn and Kaylee Turner, who combined for seven three-pointers, while their younger sister Melia Turner and sophomore Lexis Devries each added one more from beyond the arc. In total, North Clackamas Christian made nine three-pointers to build an early lead that it maintained throughout the game.
“We talked about this from our first day of practice starting the season that this was our goal, we all thought it was possible and attainable,” head coach Alicia Meuser said. “That’s fun to see that come to fruition for girls who’ve worked hard all season, super exciting and a little bit surreal.”
After a slow start offensively for both teams, Melia Turner hit a three-pointer to open scoring for North Clackamas Christian. Imbler briefly took a 5-4 lead but did not regain it as Kaylee and Keslynn Turner sparked a run that put the Saints ahead 18-6 after one quarter. The Saints continued their strong shooting into the second quarter and led 34-19 at halftime.
Meuser credited her team’s defense and ability to adjust during halftime: “There was just a couple adjustments I wanted to make on our defense from their high post feeding to the block and just positioning… The more paint touches we get, the wider our shooters are going to get so keep attacking and getting those paint touches and moving the ball and protecting it.”
Imbler attempted several comebacks in the second half behind London Kunz’s three-point shooting but could not close the gap as North Clackamas Christian responded with timely baskets and free throws. Keslynn Turner finished with 22 points on four threes; Kaylee Turner had 21 points—including three threes—and collected 14 rebounds. Melia Turner contributed seven points and seven rebounds; Devries added eight points.
The Saints shot nearly 46 percent from the field and almost 43 percent from long range while holding Imbler to lower percentages in both categories. The victory also represents North Clackamas Christian’s first girls team state title in any sport.
Reflecting on her players’ growth, Meuser said: “(Keslynn and Kaylee) are definitely ballers, you can see that… They stepped into a leadership role as sophomores because they were so young and just really matured so much through the year.” She also joked about giving her players time off from homework after their historic win: “Our principal (Sherri James), I talked to her after the game and I said, ‘I’m pretty sure you could write an excuse so these girls don’t have to do their homework.’ She actually told me, ‘Yeah, they don’t have to do any of it.’ I gotta hold her to that.”
