St. Helens advanced to the championship game of the OSAA/OnPoint Community Credit Union 4A girls basketball tournament after defeating Baker 46-39 in the semifinals on Mar. 13 at Forest Grove High School.
The win marks the first time in school history that St. Helens will play for a state title, highlighting a significant achievement for the program and its players.
Key contributions came from Devan Lee, who led St. Helens with 16 points and eight rebounds, and D’aye Davison, who added 12 points and six rebounds. The Lions pulled away late in the third quarter with consecutive three-pointers by Libby Hasenkamp, Lee, and Brooke Stevens, sparking a decisive 9-0 run that gave them a nine-point lead heading into the fourth quarter.
“We kind of came out with our foot on the gas and we didn’t let up from the beginning,” St. Helens coach Jillian Ross-Dean said. “We put all four quarters together.” She added, “If we can put all four quarters together, we can make it to the championship tomorrow.”
Baker struggled offensively during this stretch, missing several key shots as St. Helens extended their advantage. Baker coach Jason Ramos said, “I think that was the difference in the game… those three 3s at the end of the third quarter obviously gave them a pretty good cushion.” He continued, “They were able to execute down the stretch and we could never really claw our way back.”
Ross-Dean credited her team’s defensive strategy against Baker’s Molly Rasmussen as an important factor: “We knew if she gave up the ball, we didn’t want her to get the ball back… We knew we had to limit her touches and we had to put pressure on their guards.”
Looking ahead to Saturday’s final against top-ranked Stayton Eagles, Ross-Dean reflected on her team’s journey: “It makes me want to cry… I’ve had these seniors since their freshman year and we went from a losing record… to being Cowapa League champions and playing for a state championship.”
In other semifinal action Friday, Stayton defeated Henley 66-52 behind Breeci Hampton’s six three-pointers and Kathryn Samek’s strong performance inside. Philomath beat Marist Catholic in consolation play while Cascade overcame Seaside in another elimination game.
