February 4, 2016

McKenzie Varsity Sports Schedule This Week

The McKenzie Varsity Girls and Boys Basketball teams travel to Siletz on Tuesday, February 2. The Girls are scheduled for a 5:30 pm. start against Siletz Valley Early College Academy and the Boys will follow with a game scheduled for 7:00 pm. Both teams will host Alsea on Thursday, February 4. The Girls will play first at 5:30 pm. and the Boys will play the Alsea Junior Varsity at 7:00 pm.

A cancer awareness fundraising event will be held in conjunction with the Alsea games (see details below). The McKenzie Athletic Program will host Donkey Basketball on Saturday, February 6, with "kick-off slated for 7:00 pm.

Coaches Versus Cancer

The Oregon Athletic Coaches Association (OACA) and the Oregon Athletic Directors Association (OADA) are both sponsoring a Coaches vs. Cancer game at McKenzie High School on Thursday, February 4, when the Alsea Wolverines visit. This statewide program allows schools to voluntarily host a fund-raising night dedicated to cancer awareness.

The McKenzie Athletic Department will donate the game's gate receipts, as well as the proceeds from a bake sale. OACA will collect all such funds raised by participating schools from around the State and further donate those to a Cancer Awareness organization. The intent of all participating organizations is to mirror the successful program currently in place at the collegiate level. For clarification purposes, no coaches will actually play as the game will be between the McKenzie Varsity Boys and the Alsea Junior Varsity Boys. Please plan to attend and participate in this important Cancer Awareness event.

Buckin' and Snortin' Basketball Back!

Donkey Basketball is returning to McKenzie High School. The popular fund-raising event is scheduled for Saturday, February 6, with the tip-off scheduled at 7:00 pm. The game is a variation on the standard game of basketball and will be played on the McKenzie High School New Gymnasium gym floor, with players riding donkeys. Donkeys wear rubber shoes that will not mark nor harm the gym floor. The donkeys are provided by Donkey Sports, Inc. and the long standing company promotes a safe, (for donkeys, riders and fans), exciting fund-raising event.

The event will feature, the McKenzie Class of 2016 versus McKenzie River Ranger District Employees and of course, the Donkeys. Fans will wish to purchase Advance Tickets from McKenzie School as the prices are a dollar less across the board than at the gate. Advance prices are: Adults: $8.00, Students 7-12: $7.00, Folks K-6: $6.00. Again, all prices are $1.00 more when purchased at the gate.

Eagles at Eddyville Stats

The McKenzie/Eddyville Boys Basketball game stats (Eddyville 33, McKenzie 32, January 22) are as follows: Danny Quirk: 13 points (3-5 from behind the 3-point arc), 1 rebound, 1 assist. Drew Hamlow: 6 points, 1 rebound, assist, and steal, 2 turnovers. Chanse Hamlow: 3 points, 1 rebound and steal, 4 assists, 3 turnovers. Codee Clark: 8 points, 10 rebounds, 1 assist and a turnover. James Rimmer: 2 points, 6 rebounds, 1 steal, 2 turnovers. Jermiah McGlasson: 8 rebounds, 1 assist, steal and turnover. McKenzie Field Goal percentage: 22% (11-51).

Lowell Deals Trump With Ace, Anna Cardwell

The Eagles rode into town on a four game winning streak and a chip on their shoulders. McKenzie was looking for a battle and a win over the current Mt. West League leading Red Devils would fit the bill. Lowell had defeated the Eagles at Finn Rock on December 17, 50-37, and upsetting the Red Devils in their own venue would be sweet. Sounded like a good idea all week as the Eagles prepared their game plan, but Lowell had an ace up their sleeve. That ace was junior point guard Anna Cardwell and the standout athlete responded to the visitors from Finn Rock by scoring a game high 28 points and leading her team to a 54-46 MWL victory. The Red Devil star scored the first basket of the game and Lowell hit the Eagles right after with a full court press, sending the message, that if McKenzie wanted to "slug it out", Lowell was ready for the challenge.

The Red Devils, following Cardwell's lead, went up 10-4 midway through the first quarter and when the Eagles called time-out with 2:34 remaining in the period, Lowell was ahead 14-4. Both teams scored a pair of buckets and the first quarter ended 18-8. The second quarter was more Cardwell driving the lane and scoring layups or getting her own rebound and successfully putting the second opportunity on the scoreboard.

When McKenzie Head Coach David Duncan called uncle with a time-out at the 2:40 mark in the second quarter, Lowell held its largest lead of the game, 28-14. Duncan's remarks to his team appeared to shake some shock out of them and the Eagles responded with a few uppercuts of their own, rallying to within 5 points with 55 seconds remaining until halftime.

Lowell finished the half with a free-throw extending their now contested margin to 29-23 and both teams took advantage of a break to re-evaluate. The third quarter opened right where the two teams had left off. But unfortunately, too much Cardwell and her supporting cast, (Marissa Owsley had 10 points for Lowell) doomed the Eagles as they could never close the gap any closer than 6 points. At the end of the third quarter the score-clock showed the Red Devils 40-33.

With both teams in full battle mode, the Eagles would not give in and closed the gap to six, 44-38, with 3:34 left in the game. But Lowell was just as resolute and at the 1:06 mark, still clung to a 49-42 lead. The rest of the game saw Cardwell seal the deal at the charity stripe as the Eagles had to foul and the Red Devil junior calmly and confidently made good her free-throw attempts. McKenzie's Paige Lowry sunk the last basket for the Eagles, a nice shot at the horn, but Lowell (8-1) walked off the court with the hard earned victory and a share of the MWL lead.

McKenzie was paced by freshman Jade Hayes, who earned a double-double with her 19 points, 12 rebounds and 5 turnovers. Hayes played aggressively on both ends of the court and inspired her teammates with her intensity. Senior Jorden Smith likewise scored in double figures dropping in 10 points and she had 4 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 steals, and 2 turnovers. Sophomore Paige Lowry dropped in 8 points, grabbed 2 boards, had 3 assists, a steal and a turnover. Junior Miyanna Hayes added 7 points and 9 rebounds, a steal and 4 turnovers and freshman Kanyen Kamrath finished with 2 points and 1 rebound. Senior Idgie Williams finished with 2 rebounds, 3 assists, and a steal. Siletz Valley Early College Academy shares the League lead, following their 48-17 victory at Mapleton on Tuesday. As for McKenzie, the Eagles (6-3) dropped into sole possession of fourth place behind Triangle Lake (7-2), who won on Tuesday, 47-44, at Alsea.

Eagles Suffer A Devil Of A Time At Lowell

Lowell maintained pressure on Mt. West League leading Siletz Valley Early College Academy Warriors as they routed visiting McKenzie 68-29 last Tuesday, January 26, in Lowell. Siletz Valley likewise routed Mapleton 64-25 at Mapleton and remained undefeated in League play, 7-0. The Red Devils are close behind at 7-1 and the only other MWL team with a winning record, the Triangle Lake Lakers are in third with a 5-2 record. McKenzie is last in the MWL at 1-8 and have a current overall record of 2-17. Lowell shot the lights out against the Eagles, Tuesday night. Many of the Red Devils points came from behind the 3 point arc as Lowell took advantage of the Eagle's zone defense.

The game outcome was never in doubt as Lowell established control early and never let up with their hot shooting and strong rebounding. The first quarter score was 29-6 in favor of Lowell, halftime the score was 44-14 and the third quarter clock showed 51-23, Lowell. When the Red Devils did miss their first shot attempt, they attacked the rim hard, dominating the boards and putting in the second attempts. Ten Lowell players scored with junior Ryan Sinnett paving the way with 11 points. Red Devil seniors Cory Hern and Dylan Gehrman each added another 10 points. Senior Drew Hamlow led the Eagles with 11 points scored and he had 7 rebounds, 2 assists, and 6 turnovers. Junior James Rimmer added 7 points and 7 rebounds.

McKenzie junior Chance Hamlow finished with 5 points, 3 rebounds, a steal and 3 turnovers. Freshmen Danny Quirk and Jermiah McGlasson each added 3 points. McGlasson again showed promise for the future as he battled hard at the rim, securing 10 rebounds to go with 2 assists, a steal and 2 turnovers. Quirk also had 1 steal and 6 turnovers. Sophomore Codee Clark secured 7 rebounds, handed out 2 assists, and finished with 2 turnovers. Malakai Taylor-Ide hauled in 1 board and had a turnover and Matt Brownlee finished with 3 turnovers. The Eagles committed 23 turnovers and finished with a Field Goal percentage of 23% (11-50).

Mohawk Survives McKenzie Rally

The visiting Mohawk Indians managed to outlast a furious rally from behind by the McKenzie Varsity Boys last Friday night, January 29. The final score, Mohawk 56, McKenzie 41, belies the story of the game and effort put forth by both teams.

McKenzie and Mohawk are old, intense, and respectful rivals. Not so many seasons past, the Eagle gym would have been full to capacity with fans from both river valleys plus a few visitors taking notes scouting for a scheduled contest elsewhere by one or both of the combatants. The two basketball programs were typically in the top tier of the OSAA 1A rankings and a trip to Baker City for post season action was figured into a lot of calendars. This appears not to be one of those seasons, although in all fairness to both teams, a trip east can still be accomplished pending how the Mt. West League playoffs finish.

Three teams from the MWL will qualify for the First and Second Rounds of the OSAA State Basketball Championships. The Indians (4-5), with the victory Friday night in Finn Rock, currently reside in fourth place in the MWL standings. Mohawk has 4 games remaining on its schedule and barring upsets, stands a good chance of retaining that position going into the Mt. West League Tournament. If the Indians can upset one of the three teams finishing above them, Siletz Valley, Lowell, or Triangle Lake, they can secure one of the three State berths.

McKenzie (1-9) also has four games remaining in the regular season and a berth in the post season would be one of the best feel good stories of the year, but realistically is a long shot. But, on the other hand, that's why Eagle Head Coach David Duncan's team tightens up their sneakers every day. And based on the intense effort put forth by McKenzie last Friday night, who knows?

Post player Codee Clark had arguably his best performance in an Eagle uniform as the sophomore led his team offensively with 11 points, 8 rebounds, 1 blocked shot, 3 assists, 2 steals and 4 turnovers. Clark's 6'4" presence in the paint helped keep Mohawk's 6"3" Kody Brewer in check. Brewer also scored 11 points for the Indians. At one point in the second half the Eagle fan base was thrilled to see Clark and an opponent battle base line to base line and down on the court floor, the two scrambling for a loose ball. McKenzie senior Drew Hamlow likewise scored 11 points, secured 8 rebounds, dished out 2 assists, stole the ball twice and turned the ball over 4 times. Chanse Hamlow scored 8 points to go with 4 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 steals and 3 turnovers. Jermiah McGlasson finished with 5 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists, and 6 turnovers. James Rimmer and Malakai Taylor-Ide each added 2 points and Rimmer also had 1 rebound and 2 turnovers. Matt Brownlee had 1 rebound and Danny Quirk ended the night with 3 assists, a steal and 8 turnovers.

Mohawk sophomore Anthony Wahto took game scoring honors with 15 points, senior Josh Binder scored 11 points and senior Isaac Church added 10 points. McKenzie shot 31% from the field, making 14 of 45 shot attempts and the Eagles committed 32 turnovers in the contest.

Eagle Gals Gallop Wild Over Mohawk

Certainly, Eagles gallop! They did so last Friday evening over old rival Mohawk, defeating the visitors 55-13. The McKenzie win coupled with Triangle Lake's 23-45 loss to Siletz Valley Early College Academy put the Eagles and Lakers (both 7-3) in a tie for third in the current Mt. West League standings. Most importantly, both teams have just 4 games remaining on their regular season schedules, including a showdown at Triangle Lake on Tuesday, February 9, at Triangle Lake. With Siletz Valley and Lowell knotted at the top of the MWL standings with identical 9-1 records, the regular season finish should be very entertaining as the teams vie for the League's three post season State berths. But as all coaches preach, one game at a time, 'cause if you scope too far ahead, you might get bit!

Six Varsity Girls unloaded off the Marcola School bus on Friday night, one in a knee brace. The Indians are a team in a rebuilding mode, or at least one hopes. Mohawk has won 2 MWL games to 8 losses and has a 4-12 overall record. The last time the Eagles and the Indians faced off, McKenzie easily won 44-8. It was evident from the tip-off that the Eagles have improved players, but Mohawk showed that also. The two teams most certainly did not reflect the great teams of the past from both schools, but the rivalry intensity was none the less. Turnovers were flying everywhere, as were missed shots and sloppy play. But bodies were also hitting the floor, wrestling for rebounds, driving the lanes and taking charges. It was not pretty basketball but the teams made both their fans proud as they laid it all out on the court.

The Eagle victory was never in question as McKenzie opened with a 19-0 first quarter lead. At halftime the teams went to their respective lockers with the score 25-7 and at the end of three, it was 46-9. But again, the effort and desire were evident and the girls did their schools and communities proud. Eagle Jade Hayes had the Indian offense reeling with her 12 steals. Hayes scoring was off her average as she scored just 4 points, sinking both her free-throw attempts while going 1-10 from the field. She also added 2 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 turnovers. The freshman guard proved to all observers what a tough competitor she is as she picked herself up off the gym floor all night, diving for loose balls, fighting for rebounds or charging into traffic to score. When Hayes learns the game better and develops the skills and finesse of a polished, experienced player, she will be a formidable force for opposing teams.

High-game scoring honors went to senior teammate Jorden Smith, who scored 16 points. Smith's shooting percentage was excellent as she hit 41% from the field (7-17). Smith also stole the ball 8 times secured 6 rebounds, handed out 3 assists and committed 3 turnovers. Junior Miyanna Hayes scored in double figures with 12 points and senior Idgie Williams added 10 points. Miyanna Hayes also had 5 rebounds, 3 assists, 4 steals and 1 turnover. Williams also added 5 steals, 1 rebound, 4 assists and 2 turnovers. Paige Lowry scored 7 points, had 4 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, and 3 turnovers. Hailee Lowry, Katelynn Caulley, and Kanyen Kamrath each scored 2 points for the Eagles. Hailee Lowry also had 1 assist, 2 steals, 5 rebounds and 3 turnovers. Caulley secured 4 rebounds to go with 1 assist, a steal and 4 turnovers. Kamrath had 2 rebounds, 1 assist, 3 steals and 1 turnover. For the game the Eagles shot 36% from the field and as a team committed a total of 20 turnovers.

Alumni Watch

Jordan Wiley scored 12 points for his Western Oregon University Wolves last Thursday, January 28 in a game against Northwest Nazarene. The fourth-ranked Wolves won the hard fought game 62-59 and secured sole first place in the Great Northwest Athletic Conference. Wiley scored the final two points of the game, sinking two free-throws with 5 seconds left on the score-clock and is doing became the third current Western Oregon player to surpass 1,000 points in his career. Wiley's Wolves are currently 11-1 in GNAC conference standings, have an overall record of 18-2 and are ranked fourth in the NCAA Division II rankings.

Trey Harbick enjoyed a couple of big nights on the court recently as he rang up a couple of double-doubles for his New Hope Christian Basketball team. In a home game against Northwest Indian College on Saturday, January 30, Harbick scored 24 points and grabbed a team high 18 rebounds to help lead his Deacons team to a 116-110 overtime victory. New Hope was led in scoring by Isaih Large with 49 points scored. The next day, January 31, also versus Northwest Indian, the game again went to overtime and on this occasion, Northwest Indian prevailed, 105-97. Harbick scored 26 points and hauled in 10 rebounds. Isaih Large led New Hope again with 33 points, 13 assists and Kainoah Peterson with 16 points and 17 rebounds. New Hope Christian's overall record stands currently at 6-20 with 3 games remaining on the 2015 schedule.

Taya Harbick scored 8 points and had 4 rebounds while playing for New Hope Christian College Basketball in a game versus Northwest Christian University, last Thursday, January 28. New Hope Christian (8-9) lost 49-74 to Northwest Christian on a night where New Hope was honoring its senior players. New Hope has 2 games remaining on its 2015 schedule.

McKenzie past student and outstanding athlete Neil Branson, Head Seaside Girls Cross Country Coach , was recently honored by the National Federation of State High School Association (NFHS) Coaches Association as a Section 8 Coach of the Year. Section 8 covers athletics in Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington, and Wyoming. Branson was one of 15 current coaches representing 15 different sports that were honored with the NFHS award and the longtime Seaside High School coach will be further honored on May 21st at the annual OACA Awards Banquet.