Brody Roth shoots over Rylan Davidson from South Salem on Feb. 24, at South Salem High School. (JOSHUA MANES/Keizertimes) 
Brody Roth drives the baseline against Eli Gabriel of South Salem on Feb. 24, at South Salem High School. (JOSHUA MANES/Keizertimes) 
Brody Roth lays the ball up with South Salem’s Austin Geinger in close pursuit on Feb. 24, at South Salem High School. (JOSHUA MANES/Keizertimes) 
Jabol Balos-Mesey hangs in the air against South Salem’s Charlie Rapp on Feb. 24, at South Salem High School. (JOSHUA MANES/Keizertimes) 
Osmid Cano shoots oveer Ethan Lassahn of South Salem on Feb. 24, at South Salem High School. (JOSHUA MANES/Keizertimes) 
Steven Adams goes up for a layup with Eli Johnson of South Salem right behind him on Feb. 24, at South Salem High School. (JOSHUA MANES/Keizertimes)
McNary boys basketball heads into the postseason after hitting its second speed bump in a row at the close of the regular season, losing to South Salem on Friday.
The 67-57 loss to the Saxons (8-16, 5-7) was the second consecutive loss for the Celtics (16-8, 8-4) after winning six straight prior to Tuesday’s loss to West Salem.
The Saxons came out firing Friday night, hitting five 3-pointers in the first quarter, closing the quarter on an 8-3 run to take a 19-16 lead. South Salem senior Charlie Rapp led all scorers with 21 points.
The South Salem size advantage was on display, as they outrebounded McNary and consistently seemed to get to loose balls for second, and even third shot attempts.
They outshot the Celtics 55-46, sinking 26 to McNary’s 20, and led at the end of every quarter.
Sophomore Steven Adams led McNary scorers with 13 points. Seniors Brody Roth and Jabol Balos-Mesey had 12 and 11 respectively.
The Celtics now head into the OSAA postseason ranked No. 24, and will travel to face Clackamas High School in the first round on Wednesday.