Making it to state isn’t easy. It takes hard work, heart, and a whole lot of dedication. 

Throughout the Wilsonville boys basketball season, there have been many ups and downs, but they are striving for one goal: State. 

According to OSAA, the Cats are currently ranked 3rd in the league with an 8-3 record. Although they have a winning record, the  Wildcats have faced countless tough opponents and have had many difficult games thus far. 

For example, they struggled against a gritty Hillsboro team earlier this year, winning by just 2 points in a 63-61 triumph. Additionally, they traded blows with Centennial as well, falling 44-48 earlier in league, before emerging victorious 59-45. 

Sophomore wing LJ Leland comments, “League has definitely been difficult this year. With a large number of transfers going to teams such as Parkrose, it has been difficult to get a good look at players before we play them.” 

Additionally, the Wildcats struggled to fill gaps in leadership. After the Cats’ 24-25 season, the team lost 4 starting seniors, many of whom were important leaders. So, going into the 25-26 season, the Cats needed players to step up and take a leadership role. 

Junior guard Jett Bruce reflects, “Getting to know everyone better was definitely fun, but it was also important. It allowed many of my teammates to step into leadership roles and create a real team.” One important leader who has stepped up is senior guard Grady Wiese, who communicates and motivates the team before and after games and practices. 

However, the road ahead isn’t easy. One of their biggest challenges comes on Thursday, February 12th, when they face Parkrose, the league’s number one-ranked team and third in the state, at Wilsonville High School. 

“We have been rigorously preparing for Parkrose. They are an incredibly fast team, so we have been conditioning a lot. Additionally, we have been going over their film extensively,” Leland remarks. 

It will definitely be a tough path to finish league play, especially with more upcoming games against a 10-1 Canby and a tough La Salle team after Parkose, but the team is confident they can succeed. But they could use some help from the students.

“It’s always great when people come to games and pack the gym. It really supports and helps us,” Jett states. So support your peers and show up to the Parkrose vs Wilsonville game on February 12th at Wilsonville High School at 7:15!