In the penultimate stretch of the high school basketball season, Friday marked an exhilarating day with fierce competitions unfolding at three venues across the 2025 Oregon (OSAA) girls basketball state tournaments. Players delivered standout performances that not only defined their teams' successes but also set the stage for Saturday's trophy matches. Among the highlights were Anneka Steen’s pivotal contribution to Philomath's victory, Breeci Hampton's sharpshooting prowess leading Stayton to triumph, and Makayla Schroeder's record-breaking freshman performance in Henley's win. These games showcased remarkable talent, setting up thrilling matchups for the final day.

Key Performances and Matchups from the Oregon Girls Basketball State Tournaments

On a crisp autumn afternoon, the Class 4A tournament at Forest Grove High School saw La Grande secure a commanding win over Crook County, while Henley narrowly edged out Seaside in a nail-biting finish. Meanwhile, in the championship semifinals, Philomath triumphed over Cascade thanks to Anneka Steen and Reagan Heiken's stellar efforts, whereas Stayton dominated Baker with Breeci Hampton steering their offense.

At Linfield University in McMinnville, the Class 5A event featured Crater dismantling Redmond behind Taylor Young’s extraordinary scoring spree and Addison Dippel’s leadership. In contrast, South Albany narrowly defeated Silverton, highlighted by Kendall Hawkins’ perfect shooting night and Love Lei Best’s dazzling debut performance.

The Class 6A showdown at Portland's Chiles Center witnessed Clackamas overcoming Jefferson despite Chauncey Andersen battling foul trouble and Jazzy Davidson’s valiant effort. Tualatin showcased their depth with Jordyn Smith anchoring the defense and Sara Barhoum breaking records en route to defeating Willamette.

Saturday promises further excitement as these teams vie for top honors. Notable clashes include La Grande versus Henley in the Class 4A fourth-sixth place game, Crater facing off against South Albany in the Class 5A championship, and Clackamas meeting Tualatin in the prestigious Class 6A final.

From a journalist's perspective, this year's OSAA girls basketball state tournaments underscore the immense potential and resilience of young athletes. Each player demonstrated not only technical skill but also mental fortitude under pressure, reminding us why sports remain such a vital part of youth development. The upcoming finals will undoubtedly deliver more unforgettable moments, inspiring future generations to pursue excellence both on and off the court.