Dramatic comeback lifts Woodburn over West Albany in Oregon 5A boys basketball state tournament quarterfinal

Woodburn had two steals in the final 15 seconds

No. 4 Woodburn stunned No. 5 West Albany, 54-52, in a 5A boys basketball quarterfinal Wednesday at Linfield University in McMinnville.

Woodburn had two steals in the final 15 seconds to complete a dramatic comeback against its Mid-Willamette Conference rival. Liam Slattum had the first steal and converted two free throws to make it a one-point game, and Dylon Renteria recorded the second that resulted in a Cruz Veliz and-one with nine seconds to play.

Veliz put up 24 points, eight rebounds and three assists for MWC champion Woodburn.

Brysen Kachel led West Albany with 19 points and 10 rebounds. Kachel left the game late with a right knee injury and did not return.

Woodburn and top-seeded Summit will face off at 1:30 p.m. Friday in a semifinal.

Photos by Leon Neuschwander

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Published Mar 7, 2024

BOB LUNDEBERG

Bob Lundeberg is a freelance sports writer who has covered high school and college sports in the Pacific Northwest since 2009. He was inspired to write Finish, his first book, after spending four years on the Oregon State baseball beat for the Corvallis Gazette-Times and The Oregonian. He covers high school sports from a national perspective for High School On SI with reports on breaking news, trending topics and national polls.

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