The Wildcats were excited for their last home league game, not only because they hadn’t played in a week, but because it meant a chance to honor their four seniors.

Each senior was recognized with their parents before the game and was given a bouquet of flowers by the team. The underclassmen decorated the locker room, wrote heartfelt messages, and gave out gift baskets. Junior Emi Bishop put together a touching video tribute to the senior class as well.

The seniors started alongside junior point guard Sydney Burns, and Wilsonville took the lead from the Mustangs early in the first quarter. After that point, they didn’t look back. Bishop led Wilsonville with 18 points on the night, and the Wildcats won 64-45.

Milwaukie posed a unique threat in sophomore Cali Denson, who scored 39 points on the night, shooting 15-45 from the field. The Wildcats knew she would be a difficult matchup, and they focused on forcing tough shots and making her night more difficult, knowing that the Mustangs would be hungry for a victory.

With playoffs rapidly approaching, there’s a target on the backs of the Wildcats. Since Wilsonville has been ranked consistently among the top three teams in the state all year, any team could easily advance their position in the standings tremendously by defeating the Wildcats.

The team is well aware of this, so they make a point of taking each game one at a time. The season is coming to a close, with only two games left, and it’s crucial that Wilsonville maintains their rank at the top of the NWOC, a place they share with rival La Salle Falcons.

Playoffs start next weekend after the final league matchup against Parkrose on Tuesday, March 3rd. Come support your Wildcats on their playoff run, and cheer on the seniors who are finishing up their basketball careers within the next month.