West Salem High School’s girls basketball team secured a spot in the state tournament after defeating Jesuit 52-43 in the 6A round of 16 on March 7. The Titans, seeded ninth, overcame an early eight-point deficit to eliminate eighth-seeded Jesuit and advance for only the second time in program history.
The win is significant for West Salem, which last reached the state tournament in 2023. Senior Emma Zuniga led the Titans with 17 points and played strong defense against Jesuit’s Ceanna Forney, holding her to six points. “She’s unbelievable. She’s going to be so good at the next level,” Titans coach Justin Duke said of Zuniga. “There are very few players that can play positions one through five, and she’s one of them. She’s a senior, and she’s got to lay it on the line. One time to get back to the Chiles Center and she wanted it pretty bad.”
Zuniga reflected on returning to the tournament: “It’s super exciting,” she said. “I went my freshman year and it was one of the coolest experiences. I’m so excited to do it again my senior year.” She also contributed eight rebounds, two assists, two blocks, and one steal.
Sophomore guard Lily Griffin added 14 points, eight rebounds, and four assists while senior Samantha Griffin had nine points and eleven rebounds for West Salem (17-10). The Titans’ confidence was boosted by a nonleague win over Jesuit earlier this season after losing at Jesuit in last year’s playoffs.
Despite missing key players Lilea Burns and Tamara Kosso-Quaye due to injuries, West Salem managed a strong defensive effort against Forney with help from Zuniga’s teammates. The Titans tied the game at halftime before taking control with a decisive run in the second half.
West Salem will face top-seeded Tualatin in the quarterfinals on March 12 at 1:30 p.m., aiming to continue their successful season after winning the Central Valley title.
