HOOD RIVER — A breakdown of Hood River Valley’s (HRV’s) 1-5 boys basketball record shows a tough preseason slate of games where the Eagles were within reach the lead late in all but one of the five losses, had a few possessions gone their way.
The most recent defeat — Dec. 19 at home to Class 6A Barlow — offered a glimpse of what could be for Coach Christopher Dirks’ team, as it transitions into the new year and a daunting Northwest Oregon Conference schedule. Hood River played the 2025 6A state champions toe-to-toe at Vannet Court. Coach Tom Johnson’s Barlow team is much different from last season, but the Bruins were nonetheless off to a 3-1 start entering the HRV contest.
HRV never led in the game, and the Eagles trailed by as many as 15 points early in the fourth quarter. But Barlow missed its final eight shots from the field and HRV went on a 12-0 scoring run to pull within 53-50 with a minute to play. Senior Cooper Wells scored twice inside in the fourth quarter, his second basket coming as he curled across the lane, bringing the Eagles closer, 55-52.
Hood River regained possession and Dirks called a timeout with 13 seconds left. The Eagles had two 3-pointers to tie rim out in the closing seconds, and Barlow hung on for the non-league win.
Hood River was hurt by four first-quarter turnovers, before the Eagles steadied themselves and pulled within 13-11 after the opening period. The Bruins had a 13-point lead in the second frame, but once again HRV battled back — largely behind the all-round play of junior Grant Dunn. He had eight of his team’s 13 points, and his 3-pointer off an assist from JJ Poole pulled HRV within 28-24 with a minute to play before halftime.
Assists were key to Hood River’s effort, especially after falling behind in each quarter. The Eagles took a page from Barlow’s playbook by being patient on offense and allowing their opponent to one shot per possession.
Dunn and Poole each had four 3-pointers for HRV; Dunn finished with 21 points and Poole added 18. Junior guard Maddyn Cummings led Barlow with 15 points.
Hood River takes a week off of games over the Christmas holiday before resuming play Dec. 27-29 at the Caldera Holiday Tournament in Bend.
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