By CHRIS AADLAND, Reporter
The Nixyáawii Community School boys basketball team is closer to winning another state championship with a first round playoff victory on Tuesday after capturing the Old Oregon League District tournament title just days before.
The #2 ranked Golden Eagles won the district championship by beating Union 66-51 over the weekend. The team then won its first 1A playoff matchup on Tuesday, beating Days Creek 72-53 in a packed Nixyáawii gym to move to 20-4 on the season and on to the next round.
NIxyáawii will take on Valor Christian (14-6) Friday evening at NCS with a spot in the eight-team Oregon School Activities Association 1A state championship tournament at stake.
The Girls team, however, ended their season at the district tournament with a fourth-place finish, missing the playoffs and finishing their season with a 10-14 record.
Senior Ella Stewart was named to the first All-league team and All-Tournament Team, with senior Amariana Willingham making the 2nd All-League Team.
Boys senior Baron Moses was named the district’s player of the year, as well as making to the 1st All-League team and its All-Tournament team. Golden Eagles Juniors Rylan Bronson and Symon Picard also made 1st All-League team.
Friday’s second round playoff game is set for 5 p.m. at Nixyáawii. Doors will open at 4:15.
Tickets will be made available for purchase online, the school said Thursday, adding that it will share the link when as soon as OSAA provides it.
If the Golden Eagles win Friday, they’ll head to Baker City for the state tournament Feb. 28 – March 2 at Baker High School.
The Golden Eagles have qualified for the state championship tournament every year since 2018, winning it in 2019 and 2021.
