The girls varsity basketball team faced off against Newburg on Dec. 1, with a final score of 52-35. The girls varsity team also faced off against a tough Canby team on Dec. 5 at the first away game of the season. The South Salem basketball team is currently ranked 33 on OSAA State ranking as they went into their first league game against the school’s rival; the Sprague Olympians.
A returning senior; Josie Ferry ‘18 said, “I believe we are all excited to have a new program and coaching staff. As a team, we have all been working hard to improve our game and each other’s. Each game we improve and get more excited to see what the next game will bring to us, cause Together We Fight As One.”
The varsity boys basketball team recently had a matchup against South Eugene on Nov. 29, this was the first game of the season. With a final score of 79-64 the saxons pulled out a victory against the currently ranked 44 team in State. The saxons faced a disappointing loss during their fourth game of the season against the Beaverton Beavers in a non-league game on Dec. 5. The final score was 61-73 although the saxons were tied at almost every point of the game. Currently ranked 22 in State with a 2-2 record in the OSAA the saxons played a game against the Sprague Olympians on Dec. 8.
Jaden Nielsen-Skinner ‘19, a three time varsity starter for the Saxons, “Last year was a learning year, we just kinda threw some guys in and they learned to play at a varsity level. This year I think our team has what it takes and is willing to do what it takes to work at the varsity level. Everyone is coming together and we are playing as a team and that will continue to grow as the season goes on.” Nielsen-Skinner starts every game with a bowl of fruity pebbles and listening to music.