West Linn cruises past Southridge, 60-44 advancing to state semifinals

Anthony+Mathis+at+the+free+throw+line+against+Southridge+in+the+state+quarterfinals.+He+had+23+points+in+the+game.+

Niki Gray

Anthony Mathis at the free throw line against Southridge in the state quarterfinals. He had 23 points in the game.

The West Linn Boy’s Varsity Basketball team (23-4, 13-1 Three Rivers League), is one step closer on its quest to a third straight state title with a 60-44 win over the Southridge Skyhawks (22-5, 12-2 Metro League) at the University of Portland’s Chiles Center yesterday afternoon.

The Lions started slow, leading 16-12 at the end of the first and extended their lead to 29-20 at the half. The team was able to capitalize off of the Skyhawks 21 turnovers, leading to 34 points for West Linn. The Lions went for a combined 11 for 25 at the three point line, as Anthony Mathis, senior and Payton Pritchard, junior,  each contributed 23 points. At one point, Mathis and Pritchard combined for 31 of 37 of West Linn’s points. Pritchard dished out seven assists and grabbed a team-high five rebounds.

Advancing to the state semifinal for the fourth year in a row, the Lions will play South Eugene (21-7, 12-2 Southwest Conference) Friday at 1:30 p.m. at the Chiles Center. If they win, they will advance to their third state championship game in a row, which will be Saturday at 3:15 p.m. at the Chiles Center.