Getting defensive

Forget about the offensive numbers, which the Corvallis High girls basketball team put up plenty of on Friday night in an easy 88-22 Mid-Willamette Conference win over overmatched Woodburn.

Four players scored in double figures, with Gabe Johnson leading the way with 22, but the Spartans were able to keep up the defensive intensity and pressure that they need to be successful down the stretch.

Johnson and McKenzie Redberg were having their own personal battle to see who could finish the game with more steals. At one point Johnson was behind and wanted to know if it would count if she stole the ball from a teammate.

That’s the kind of night it was for the Spartans. Redberg added 17 points and Karly Laney had her best scoring performance of the season with 12 points off the bench. Alaina Adams also finished in double figures with 11.

Games like Friday night’s against Woodburn can’t be much fun for coaches. It’s hard to work on too much because you don’t want to run up the score more than is necessary.

But it was a good game coming off an emotional win against Lebanon on Wednesday night. And it was good to have before facing Dallas on Saturday at home in a makeup from a snowed-out game.

Defense has been a staple for this team. The Spartans have allowed just 43 points in their past eight quarters. Pretty good when you consider the goal is to give up just 40 each game.

The Spartans need to bring another strong effort and the intensity they showed Friday night if they want to remain in first place.

And after their win on Friday and Crescent Valley’s 52-51 loss at home to West Albany, the Spartans are all alone in first place with a 6-1 mark, 13-4 overall. CV falls to 5-2 in MWC play while West Albany jumped back into the chase for the conference title at 6-2.

CHS plays at CV on Tuesday and at West Albany next Friday. But first comes Dallas, a game that could be considered a trap game.

But with the way the Spartans played on Friday, they shouldn’t have a letdown. They know how much is at stake.

Corvallis 88, Woodburn 22
CORVALLIS 28 22 20 18 – 88
WOODBURN 4 6 4 8 – 22
Corvallis: Gabe Johnson 22, M.Redberg 17, Kar. Laney 12, Adams 11, Gerner 8, Kay. Laney 7, Schrock 6, McGowan 2, W. Redberg 2, Hendrickson 1, Westly
Woodburn: Katie Kalugin 14, Doman 4, Robles 2, Kaufman 2, Ruiz, Marquez, Armstrong, Biggs, Ivanov, Maldonado, Kraxberger, Guevara
JV: Corvallis 73, Woodburn 15
Frosh: Corvallis 64, Woodburn 10