Tuesday night’s 60-37 win at Bend was the fifth time this season the Lady Celts have outscored their opponents, but they’ll head into the winter break with a record of 4-2 after last Friday’s win against Thurston was declared a forfeit loss.
McNary was found to have used a player that surpassed the participation limit set by the OSAA. Players are allowed to compete at both JV and varsity levels, but can only participate in five quarters in a single day.
According to McNary Athletic Director Dan Borreson, Thurston caught the violation and informed McNary, who then self-reported to the OSAA. Borreson called it an honest mistake that stemmed from trying to get young players some minutes at the end of the game.
The revelation erases a 68-51 win from the books and replaces it with a 2-0 loss for the Lady Celts.
Alteration to the previous game’s result aside, the Lady Celts rolled through the Lava Bears on Tuesday. Avery Buss’ double-double with 19 points and 11 steals led the way. Buss also had five rebounds and four assists. She led the team in points against Thurston as well with 16.
Bethany Villegas put up 17 points, seven rebounds and six steals against Bend.
The Lady Celts now prepare for the Nike Interstate Shootout. The three-day tournament tips-off Saturday, Dec. 16, at Lake Oswego High School with a first round matchup against Evergreen High School from Washington. Tip-off for Saturday is scheduled for 12:25 p.m. Matchups and times for Sunday and Monday are to be determined.