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No drama this year, Buffs hammer Falcons
No. 1-ranked Madras 4-0 in conference play
Madras senior Abby Scott converts a bucket during a Tri-Valley Conference girls basketball game Jan. 20 against visiting La Salle.
Last year, visiting La Salle handed Madras a heartbreaking loss in girls basketball with a game-winning shot for a season sweep over the White Buffalos.
Last Friday, there was no drama. In fact No. 1-ranked Madras never trailed and led by 30 points after three quarters of play during a 61-37 Tri-Valley Conference victory.
"It was painful last year and we were banking on getting another shot at La Salle in the state tournament, but it didn't happen," MHS head coach Rory Oster said of La Salle, who finished second in the Class 4A state tournament last year. "You could feel it in the locker room (Jan. 27) that the girls really wanted to beat La Salle."
Madras (15-2 overall) improved to 4-0 in TVC play and pushed its win streak to nine games. La Salle dropped to 2-2 in TVC play and is tied with Gladstone and Molalla for second place.
"Anytime we can hold a team to 40 points or less, I think we're pretty tough to beat," Oster said.
Madras point guard Mariah Stacona nearly booked a triple double and dazzled the home crowd once again. The freshman had a game-high 19 points, dished out 13 assists and picked up seven steals.
Lauren Simmons of Madras hoists a shot against La Pine.
"I love the way we are playing right now," Stacona said. "We're playing as a team and everyone is stepping up."
Stacona scored 13 points in the first half to help Madras build a 32-13 halftime advantage.
"She is just so much fun to watch," Oster said of Stacona. "She's going to get that triple double this season, I just know it."
Madras senior Abby Scott added 17 points, picked up 10 rebounds, had four blocks and three steals.
"I think we exploited their weaknesses and stepped up on defense," Scott said. "This win meant a lot even though it was against just one player from last year's team."
Lauren Simmons provided a spark for the White Buffalos. The junior scored four of her eight poinst in the first quarter in helping Madras outscore La Salle 13-9 over the opening eight minutes.
"From day one, I have had a lot of confidence in my teammates," Scott said. "A lot of our girls are a lot more confident and we are a totally different team than we were a month ago."
Raylene Jones added five points for Madras.
Madras 57, N. Marion 32
On Jan. 24, Scott and Stacona combined for 36 points during Madras' 52-32 Tri-Valley Conference victory at North Marion.
Scott finished with a game-high 19 and Madras held the Huskies (1-3 TVC) to seven total points in the second half.
The White Buffalos visited Molalla Tuesday after press deadline and host Gladstone Feb. 7 at 7 p.m.