A close matchup against South Umpqua led the boys’ basketball team to a co-league champion title with North Bend.

The game was the last regular season game, ending league play.

               The boys trailed by 32-35 at halftime after a slow start. The visitors from Marshfield compiled a student section to cheer for the team. Junior Corey Shaffer carpooled to the game with other fans.

“[The student section] brought more of a playoff-like atmosphere to the gym,” Shaffer said. “[Our student sections] was smaller, but louder, and more intense.”

    Momentum started to build as the team took the lead the  in the 3rd. It was a close game throughout the whole second half, but the pirates clinched the win 61-59. According to junior Justin Cooper, head coach Doug Miles provided the team with efficient plays to score and kept them in the game the whole way.

“We knew coming into the game they were going to give their best shot,” Cooper said. “We never got down on our selves we just kept fighting.”

    Today, the pirates will take on North Bend to decide seeding for playoffs. The Bulldogs are currently ranked 1st with their only loss against Marshfield on Feb. 17. Marshfield is currently ranked 4th. Miles said no matter the turnout of the game, they will be in a good position heading into playoffs.

“It’s more about pride than anything. It’s going to be another great atmosphere. It’s going to feel like we’re at state,” Cooper said. ”We just need to stay true to our game plan and just play as a family because we play our best when we play like brothers.”