SALEM, OR - Friday, December 17 - The first day of the Opening Round of the 2021 Capitol City Classic is in the books, and half the quarterfinals field is set.
Wilsonville opened play against Corvallis in the first game. The Wildcats won in an uneven effort, defeating the Spartans 60-41. Wilsonville (5-0) broke open a 29-29 game at the half with a big third quarter led by the all-around play of sophomore guard Kallen Gutridge. Gutridge, junior Tristan Davis and sophomore Kyle Counts led a balanced Wildcat attack with 12 points, while senior post Logan Thebiay had 10 despite foul trouble.
Mountainside's game trajectory followed a similar path, as the Mavericks only led McNary 35-33 midway through the third quarter before pulling away for a convincing 58-37 win over the Celtics. Mountainside ran its perfect record on the season to 6-0.
West Salem was led by the strong play of 6'7 sophomore post Trenton Ferguson, and they controlled the game against a young Jefferson team. The Titans (3-1) jumped out to an early lead and held on for a comfortable 67-50 win vs. the Demos.
The nightcap was arguably the most entertaining and competitive game of the night. Upstart 4A program Cascade gave 5A Silverton a battle, and led at the half 26-24. A 10-0 run to start the third quarter gave Silverton (4-0) a lead that it never relinquished. Seniors Neil Efimov, a smooth scorer with range and quickness, and lightning rod point guard Jordan McCarty led the Fox attack.
With the win by the Foxes, two Mid-Willamette Valley teams (Silverton and West Salem) advanced to the CCC quarterfinals.
Opening Night, 1st Round Results
Friday, 12/17
Wilsonville 61, Corvallis 42
Mountainside 58, McNary 37
West Salem 67, Jefferson 50
Silverton 49, Cascade 39
1st Round, Second Night Schedule
Saturday, 12/18
4:00: Crescent Valley Raiders v Roosevelt Roughriders
5:30: Salem Academy Crusaders v Rancho Christian Eagles (CA)
7:00: South Salem Saxons v Beaverton Beavers
8:30: Lincoln Cardinals v Cane Ridge Ravens (TN)
