COTTAGE GROVE, Ore. — Lions’ guard Cade May finished with two points before subbing out for the final time at home in a Cottage Grove uniform.
It was senior night, and May got the start despite suffering a torn ACL a little more than a week ago. The injury ended his season, but it was only right for the 3-point specialist to suit up and see the last minute of his high school career in front of the home crowd he’s so used to taking the court in front of.
“He’s an amazing kid,” Cottage Grove assistant coach Nick Garman said. “We were all very emotional watching him get that last opportunity as a high school player.”
The two teams exchanged baskets before May left the court. He was serenaded with applause and cheers as he made his way to the bench, receiving handshakes and much love from both coaches and players.
“It was great,” May said. “I miss it already, but it was great. I miss playing out there, and you know, tearing [ACL] is rough. But I have lots of people who support me.”
Along with May, Cottage Grove celebrated a total of four seniors: Lucas O’Hara, Van Norris, and Robert Warner were also recognized for their contributions to the program. All four of them got minutes tonight.
However, the Lions were unable to capitalize on the special night, as they dropped their fourth consecutive game.
Junior forward Hunter Christensen led both teams in scoring with 20 points, and the North Bend Bulldogs (5–17, 0–9 4A) played spoiler in what was a ceremonious evening with a 56–45 victory over the Cottage Grove Lions (5–17, 3–7 4A) on Thursday night.
Junior guard Conner Johnson finished with 12 for North Bend, junior guard Brody Kyllo added 10 more to the total, and the Bulldogs snapped their nine-game losing streak and earned their first conference win of the season.
“Overall defensively, we were solid,” North Bend head coach Jasper Sawyer said. “We executed the defensive game plan and were able to slow them down, force some shots from the outside, which was good. Overall, a team effort defensively.”
Sawyer also gave his props to May.
“It’s great to be a part of making a memory for a senior,” he said. “You hate to see kids go down with injuries, but if you are ever able to be a part of and help make a kid a memory that’ll last a lifetime. It’s a pleasure to partake in something like that.”
Sophomore forward Ethan Valdez led Cottage Grove in scoring with 19 points in the loss. He will be one of the key leaders of this team next winter.
“[We] expect a lot,” Garman said. “Ethan [Valdez] attacked tonight. Offensively attacked the rim, which opened up his three-point shot. We’re really pleased with Ethan.”
Sophomore guard Ryan Deloach received a technical foul in the second quarter and did not return to the game. Deloach finished with zero points on the night.
The Bulldogs cap off their two-game road trip on Tuesday, also against Marist Catholic. It will be their second-to-last game of the season.
“We got to hit shots, and we got to limit turnovers,” Sawyer said. “Those are the big two things: hit open shots and limit our unforced turnovers.”
Cottage Grove plays its final regular-season game on the road a week from Friday against the Marist Catholic Spartans (14–6), whom it looks to avoid a season sweep against.
“They’re very good,” Garman said. “They put more talent on the floor than we do, and as a result, we’re going to have to play hard and play together really well.”
What’s Next:
North Bend: @ Marist Catholic Tuesday 2/24
Cottage Grove: @ Marist Catholic Friday 2/27