Gazette-Times Reporter

Their approach entering the 5A state tournament was simple, take things one game at a time. They insisted that their focus was on Hermiston, their quarterfinal opponent.

But now that the Bulldogs have been taken care of, it’s safe to say the Corvallis High players and coaches were hoping all along for a chance to play Thurston again. CHS’s lone blemish on its 25-1 record is a 47-44 loss to Colts on Dec. 3, the Spartans’ third game of the season.

And they will have their chance for revenge at 1:30 p.m. today when they face Thurston in the semifinals at McArthur Court. The Colts defeated Century, 62-49, on Wednesday in the quarterfinals.

In their first meeting, the Spartans were held to a season-low 44 points. Considering their next lowest total was 51, that game was easily one of their worst of season. So it’s no wonder why CHS wanted another chance.

The Spartans should be better prepared this time around for the Colts. They have plenty of momentum after their convincing 72-47 win over Hermiston on Wednesday. Plus, they have the advantage of having played in the tournament last season, which could make a difference today.

“We have more experience this year over last,” CHS coach Greg Garrison said. “We aren’t playing North Eugene in the semis, that doesn’t hurt. At this point though, everyone is outstanding and we are going to have to play well regardless of who our opponent is.”

Thurston figures to be a much tougher opponent for CHS too. In the win over Century, three players scored in double-figures, with senior Drew Wiley leading the way. The 6-foot-7 center scored 21 points, grabbed nine rebounds, and sank two 3-pointers.

They also limited the Jaguars to 37 percent field goal shooting in the game, while turning the ball over only 10 times.

“At this point, everyone is outstanding and we are going to have to play well regardless of who our opponent is,” Garrison said. “We are satisfied but I think our kids came into the tournament with the mission of getting to that championship game and we feel like we are capable of that.”

And while the Spartans played well against Hermiston, Garrison stressed they can’t give up as many easy baskets to Thurston as they did to the Bulldogs. They will need to play tighter defense, despite forcing 22 turnovers and coming up with 10 steals on Wednesday.

“”I we have to play defense better than we did (Wednesday),” Horrell said. “We played alright today, but (today) we got to step it up.”

Another factor will be keeping players on the floor. CHS had several players in foul trouble against Hermiston, including starter Cade Hearing, who eventually fouled out. He picked up his third foul early in the second quarter on Wednesday.

“We don’t have outstanding depth, but the depth we have is very efficient,” Garrison said. “Cade probably played four minutes the entire game and you saw he’s a difference maker when he’s out there. So we need him on the floor. We can’t have our starters get in foul trouble.”

Sherwood faces Jefferson in today’s other semifinal game at 6:30 p.m. Sherwood defeated Mountain View in the quarterfinals, while Jefferson knocked off defending state champion North Eugene 53-51. North Eugene defeated CHS last season in semifinals, and the Spartans finished fifth overall.