By Mike Weber
For Columbia Gorge News
HOOD RIVER — The Hood River Valley High Eagles came close to reaching the OSAA Class 5A boys basketball state playoffs for the first time since 2022. However, a late season slump kept them short of their goal.
The Eagles, guided by 10th-year Coach Chris Dirks, lost four-out-five Northwest Oregon Conference (NWOC) games from Feb. 9 to Feb. 27, and they finished in sixth place in the nine-team league standings. The top four teams qualified for the 16-team state playoffs beginning March 6.
“Overall, I am so proud of how this team has competed all year, no matter what,” said Dirks. “Our league was overwhelmed with revamped teams, and our guys didn’t blink once. They just went out and competed with whoever was in front of them.”
The No. 14-ranked Centennial High Eagles (8-7 NWOC, 12-12 overall) won two more league games than Hood River to clinch the fourth and final league playoff spot. The No. 18-ranked defending state champion La Salle Prep High Falcons (8-7 NWOC, 9-14 overall) finished ahead of Hood River in fifth.
The No. 23-ranked Eagles (6-9 NWOC, 9-15 overall) still had a slim chance to advance to the postseason following a home win, 56-48, Feb. 24 over the Putnam High Kingsmen (2-13 NWOC, 4-18 overall). The trio of Cooper Wells (season-high 14 points, 10 rebounds), Talon Britt (11 points) and Grant Dunn (10 points, three steals) led the Eagles to the victory. Wells recorded his fourth statistical double-double this year.
Three days later, the Eagles were eliminated from playoff contention following a, 92-38, loss to the No. 3-ranked NWOC champion Parkrose High Broncos (14-1 NWOC, 21-3 overall). The Eagles recorded a season-low point total in the contest.
The Eagles conclude the season with a special senior night home game March 2 versus the Milwaukie High Mustangs (2-13 NWOC, 8-16 overall). Seniors Jerry Serrano, Maverick Hockett, Deacon Ybarra, Britt and Wells were to be honored for their contributions to the Eagle basketball program in a pregame ceremony.
“The seniors on our team will leave big holes in the program, but I think the mark they will leave sets up a great future,” said Dirks. “They have shown to be selfless, dedicated and hardworking, all things that Hood River Valley basketball needs to stay competitive.”
Hood River will compete in the 5A East Metro Conference in 2026-27, along with Centennial, Milwaukie, Parkrose, Putnam, Sandy and St. Helens.
“A big shout out goes to Deacon, Talon, Cooper, Maverick and Jerry,” said Dirks. “They have all been through so much and are here to leave their stamp on this program anyway. They’re just a great group of good people. This season has been so enjoyable because of them and the way they were just great leaders on the team.”
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