Competition level tests The Dalles in girls basketball

THE DALLES — The Dalles High Riverhawks’ Class 4A girls basketball team opened its 2025-26 season by competing in non-league games against three top-20 ranked Class 5A squads in the Central Oregon Tip-Off Classic Tournament Dec. 4-6 at Crook County High School in Prineville.

The Dalles lost all three matchups by double-digit margins, including a 55-30 defeat to the host Crook County High Cowgirls (2-1). Freshman Anuhea Peters led the Riverhawks in scoring with 11 points. Senior Jackie Begay scored seven points and sophomore Bryce Newby had five points.

The Riverhawks, guided by first-year Coach Ronni Blodgett, had a much stronger performance in their next contest, recording a season-high point total in a 55-42 loss to the Bend High Lava Bears (1-2). Bryce Newby led the way with 13 points for The Dalles.

“We are working hard and making adjustments as needed one game at a time,” Blodgett said.

In their third matchup, the Riverhawks lost 88-24 to the Redmond High Panthers (2-1). Begay had seven points to lead The Dalles in scoring.

The Riverhawks, with seven of 10 players returning from last year’s state playoff qualifying squad, were hoping to bounce back at Class 3A Corbett (0-2) on Dec. 9. The Riverhawks play their first home game of the season Dec. 16 at 5:30 p.m. against St. Helens (2-0).