Eagles sweep collision

Chrissey McOmber

IN THE PAINT — Anderson’s Cody McNamara takes the ball to the hoop against West Valley’s Garhett Parent, as the Cubs’ Cody McCary looks on. The Eagle boys won the NAL battle 46-38 at Anderson, while the Lady Eagles prevailed over the Cubs at West Valley, 68-44.

Rachelle Russell

The West Valley varsity basketball teams swept through the rival Anderson Cubs in a pair of South County Collisions last weekend, increasing the Eagles’ chances to earn their respective NAL titles.

In the boys game at Anderson High School, West Valley (6-0 NAL, 18-3) withstood some tough Cubs defense, a late rally and a spirited Anderson crowd to remain undefeated in league play.

Troy Duenas led the way for the Eagles with 22 points, including four three-pointers, while Garhett Parent scored a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds. West Valley’s Thomas O’Brien added nine points and eight rebounds.

Anderson (1-5 NAL, 3-19) was led by Cody McNamara’s 19 points.

“West Valley is a good team and I thought we played them tough tonight,” said Anderson Coach Jim Holcomb. “I was proud of the effort our guys gave.”

In the game between the Lady Eagles and the Lady Cubs at West Valley High School, the ramifications were much greater than the inner-district rivalry, first place in the NAL was on the line.

Looking to avenge a 57-45 loss to Anderson back on Jan. 12, West Valley jumped out to an 18-11 first quarter lead and never looked back, earning a 68-44 victory and joining the Cubs atop the NAL standings at 5-1.

The Lady Eagles were led by Rachelle Russell’s game-high 18 points, while Tabytha Wampler and Megan Mazanec each scored 12 points. Jasmine Mally provided a spark for West Valley as well, recording eight points and 11 rebounds.

Even more impressive than the Eagles’ offensive production in the affair was the way West Valley stopped Anderson’s biggest weapons. The Cubs’ Megan Remley was held to nine points, Molly Morton scored seven points and Amrallina Rowland netted six points.

With the NAL title still up in the air and only a handful of league games remaining, the Eagles will host Yreka on Friday, while the Cubs travel to Lassen.