By Mike Weber
For Columbia Gorge News
HOOD RIVER — Despite losing three straight Northwest Oregon Conference Class 5A boys basketball games, the Hood River Valley High Eagles still have chance to reach the state playoffs for the first time since 2022.
HRV (5-8 NWOC, 8-14 overall) had a tremendous comeback effort but fell a little short in a 60-57 loss to the No. 15-ranked Centennial High Eagles (6-7 NWOC, 10-12 overall) on Feb. 20 in Gresham.
The Eagles are in sixth place in the nine-team league standings with three games left on the schedule. HRV trails Centennial and the No. 19-ranked Class 5A defending state champion La Salle Prep Falcons (6-7 NWOC, 10-12 overall), who are tied for fourth place. The top four teams qualify for the 16-team state playoffs beginning March 6.
HRV, guided by 11th-year Coach Christopher Dirks, had a good start against Centennial, taking their largest lead of the game at 10-5 when senior Talon Britt (18 points) sank a 3-point field goal midway through the first quarter. Centennial responded with a 13-3 rally to build an 18-13 lead and later held a 34-23 halftime advantage.
The deficit was 11 entering the fourth quarter, when HRV starting post player, Cooper Wells fouled out, leaving the Eagles shorthanded. Despite the extenuating circumstances, the Eagles had an impressive effort to almost pull out a victory.
Junior Grant Dunn (12 points), JJ Poole (14 points) and Britt sank key jumpers and senior Deacon Ybarra (five points) made a free throw, trimming the deficit to 58-53. Poole’s jumper with 41 seconds left made it 58-55. Both teams scored again — HRV’s basket came on a Britt 3-pointer at the final buzzer.
“It was a tough loss, but it doesn’t mathematically eliminate us from the playoff race,” said Dirks. “We have two games left on the schedule and so do the other teams. We still have a shot to make the playoffs.
“I was very proud of the team and how they competed until the last minute. This team is resilient, smart and together and that is a dangerous combination. The guys have battled with every team they have seen this year no matter what the score is and that had been special. Losses are always painful, but I know we are going to put our best foot forward in the last two regular season games.”
The first contest is Feb. 24 at home against the Putnam High Kingsmen (2-11 NWOC, 4-16 overall). On Feb. 27 HRV plays at No. 2-ranked league leading Parkrose High (13-1 NWOC, 20-3 overall). The Eagles conclude the regular season with 7:15 p.m. senior night home game March 2 versus the Milwaukie High Mustangs (2-11 NWOC, 8-14 overall). Seniors Jerry Serrano, Hockett, Ybarra, Britt and Wells will be honored for their contributions to the Eagle basketball program in a pregame ceremony.
Dirks said: “We’ve turned a lot of heads this year and no matter what happens during the remainder of the season, we’re all really pushing to get to the playoffs. No matter what, the team has been impressive; they’ve had each other’s backs.
“Everyone who comes to watch us play always tells us how competitive we are. That’s important that we recognize that about us and ourselves. That being said, we know how important the last games are, we know where we stand and we’re ready to go.”
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