Roadrunners Clinch Playoffs

Roadrunner Basketball wrapped up its home schedule with Sophomore Night against Mt. Hood Community College on Saturday Feb. 24.

Sophomore night is the last chance for LBCC sophomores to suit up in LBCC uniforms in front of their home crowd. The men’s team honored sophomores Trey Ecker, Carter Flora, Brady Ford, Cooper Getsfrid, Chris Morsa, and Jake Sundquist. The women’s team honored sophomores Breanna Bronson, Courtney Landis, Kelsie Henry, Megan Schiavone, and Melissa Thielman.

In the men’s game the Roadrunners were victorious, beating the Mt. Hood Saints 101-94 in a high scoring contest.

The first half saw LB lose a 15-8 lead over Mt. Hood midway through the period. The two teams traded baskets throughout until the Roadrunners were able to put together an 8-0 run with seven minutes left to go up 36-28. After a Mt. Hood timeout, the Saints responded with a 10-2 run of their own and closed out the half leading the Roadrunners 50-47.

The second half was similar to the first as both teams were unable to open up an extensive lead on one another. The Saints established a 76-69 lead midway through the half but the Roadrunners wouldn’t go away as they continued to stay with Mt. Hood. The Roadrunners trailed by deficit 87-83 with five minutes left in the game and went on an 18-7 run in the final four minutes to grab the lead and close out the Saints 101-94.

The Roadrunners finished with four players in double digits with Getsfrid and Bailey Evers leading the team in points with 19, Ecker with 18 points, and Adam Harvey supplied 13 points off the bench. Ecker led the the game in rebounds with 7 and Jensen led the team with 4 assists.

The win moves the Roadrunners to 20-8 on the season, the first 20 win season in 30 years, and they also clinched their second straight playoff appearance, the first time that has been done since the 1970s.

“It’s a very unreal feeling to be in the playoffs,” said Evers.

Coach Everett Hartman is proud of how the team has performed all season, clinching the Roadrunner’s first top two finish in the South Region in program history.

“It has just been a historic run with a great team and coaching staff,” said Hartman.

Sophomore Getsfrid reflected on his time in the LB basketball program.

“It was a learning experience with all the players and coaches. Developing good relationships with them has helped build my character as a person and player,” said Getsfrid.

The women’s game saw the Roadrunners fall to the Saints 60-51.

Mt. Hood entered the game third in defense in the region and they were also riding a four game winning streak. LB looked undaunted starting the game off with an 8-0 run. Mt. Hood responded, but the Roadrunners were still able to close out the first quarter leading 19-12. Turnovers in the second quarter kept the game back and forth but Mt. Hood was able to cut into LB’s lead. The Roadrunners would go into the half leading 33-29.

A back and forth third quarter saw Mt. Hood cut even further into the Roadrunner’s lead with LB clinging to a 48-47 lead to end the third. The Roadrunners struggled shooting in the fourth quarter as the Saint’s defense stiffened. Mt. Hood Closed out the game, outscoring LB 13-3 in the final quarter to take a 60-51 win.

Madeline Oakden led all scorers with 22 points, Henry finished with 12 points, and Kelsey Wells snagged 12 rebounds.

“It has been fun. The first year was hard not playing much, but meeting new people this year and playing more has really helped me grow,” said Henry when asked about her two years at LBCC.

Both teams will conclude their regular seasons on Wednesday, Feb. 28, at Southwestern Oregon Community College.