The Parkrose boys basketball team secured the 5A state championship with a 65-57 overtime victory over Crook County at Linfield University on March 14. The win marks Parkrose’s first boys basketball state title since 1982 and the fourth in program history.
The game was closely contested, with both teams exchanging leads and making key plays down the stretch. In overtime, all six of Parkrose’s rotation players contributed, helping the Broncos pull ahead for good. Senior Adrian “Fuzzy” Montague led Parkrose with 22 points, while junior Varryk Hardges added 16 points and sophomore Jayden Hall and junior Keone Gates each scored 12.
Parkrose head coach Kendrick Williams said, “Poise, it’s just a testament to what we’ve been through all year. Hard practices, the hard coaching I give them. It was built for times like this. Things stopped going our way in the fourth quarter, but we just held our composure and made plays down the stretch.”
Crook County mounted a comeback late in regulation, tying the game at 52 before time expired. In overtime, Crook County senior Bryce Lowenbach kept his team close with several key baskets and free throws. Lowenbach finished with 30 points, 16 rebounds, and five blocks.
Crook County head coach Jason Mumm praised his team’s resilience: “You’re not 26-1 if you don’t have guys who can make shots. They just did a good job of not getting rattled, having that senior leadership will do that. They just never went away, they kept coming.”
Montague reflected on his journey to Parkrose and what winning meant: “I grew up in Northeast Portland, nobody can say anything to me about loyalty,” he said. “I make sure I get it done at the end of the day. You can see how much they care for me. I’m so proud and I’m so happy.”
The tournament also saw Summit defeat Centennial for third place and Thurston edge Canby for fourth place.
With four of their core six players returning next season, Parkrose looks forward to building on this success. As Hardges said after the win: “This is my first time winning state, this is great. Hopefully we can come here next year and win it again.”
