Springfield secured a spot in the Oregon School Activities Association/OnPoint Community Credit Union 5A state girls basketball championship after defeating South Albany 55-50 in the semifinals on March 13. The game took place at Linfield University, with Springfield overcoming a halftime deficit to reach its ninth title game in program history.
The matchup was significant as Springfield, despite having a young roster, demonstrated resilience against last year’s runner-up team. Junior Sailor Hall led the Millers with six three-pointers and a total of 20 points, while freshman Nuari Filipe contributed 17 points. Their efforts helped Springfield maintain composure during crucial moments of the game.
“We know that’s a good team, but we know we’re a better team,” Hall said. “I think it was about executing our gameplan and trusting in our teammates and our coaches. Executing what we put in four months ago to start the season.”
South Albany gained momentum in the second quarter, taking a four-point lead into halftime behind senior Kaylee Cordle’s nine points in that frame. Filipe praised Cordle’s abilities, saying, “I think she’s just really quick and I think she’s really a floor general. She’s a great point guard. She’s quick and knows how to feed her team and has a really nice mid-range shot.”
Springfield head coach Joe Williamson highlighted sophomore Lia Jones’ defensive performance: “Wouldn’t trade Lia for anybody. Defensively, she locked up their point guard and really made it tough all game for her. It starts with her on the point guard and she met the challenge.”
In the final quarter, key plays from Filipe and Hall helped secure Springfield’s victory as they pulled ahead late in the contest. “Execution, we really executed and got Sailor some open looks and she’s got to hit them,” Williamson said. “We executed and made shots down the stretch. You gotta execute on one end and walk down on the defensive end and rebound.”
With this win, Springfield will face No. 5 West Albany for the state championship at Linfield University on Saturday night. West Albany advanced after defeating top-seeded Redmond 63-37 earlier Friday.
Reflecting on expectations for his team, Williamson said: “There’s a lot of expectations, not just from the program but from the coaches, we expect a lot… The expectation is to get here, and now win it.”
West Albany head coach Shawn Stinson commented on his team’s energy following their semifinal victory: “They played with more energy than I’ve ever seen a team have… The energy was through the roof and the chemistry is unbelievable.”
The championship match will be held at 7:45 p.m., while South Albany will play Redmond for third place.
