Stephens, Wolverines manhandle Lancers, 67-41.

Byline: Curtis Anderson The Register-Guard

Despite seven straight trips to the playoffs, Willamette doesn't always generate the statewide respect it deserves.

The unbeaten Wolverines climbed into the No. 10 spot in the Class 4A poll this week, and they proved they belonged Tuesday night with a 67-41 demolition of host Churchill in a Midwestern League girls basketball game.

Willamette (5-0 overall, 2-0 league) shot 56 percent from the field, dominated the boards and forced numerous turnovers with an aggressive full-court press that kept the Lancers (3-2, 1-1) on their heels for most of the game.

It was a breakout night for senior Shelby Stephens, who scored 24 points, grabbed 10 rebounds, picked off six steals and handed out four assists.

She had plenty of support, however, as sister Stephanie Stephens added 13 points and six rebounds and Nattisia Reynolds had 10 points.

Willamette has always been known for its rugged defense, but this group appears to be one of the most athletic squads it has put on the floor in recent years, and one capable of scoring points in bunches.

`We have multiple players who are able to take the ball to the basket,' said Wolverines co-head coach Terry Harrison. `And when we do drive to the basket, we're doing a much better job of finding open players. We're able to pass the ball if we get in trouble.'

The Wolverines blitzed Churchill with a 10-0 run to open the game, led 22-6 at the end of the first quarter, and built a 30-8 advantage before the shellshocked Lancers were able to battle back.

With Churchill's press forcing 11 turnovers in the second period, the Lancers went on a 19-4 tear to pull within seven at the break, 34-27. But that was as close as they would get.

Willamette regrouped at halftime and quickly boosted its margin to double digits in the third quarter. The Wolverines hit 8-of-11 shots in the period for a 51-34 lead, and then scored the first 12 points of the final quarter for a 63-34 advantage.

Churchill coach Chris Stewart was impressed.

`They were more physical than us and more aggressive than us in the way they attacked the basket,' he said. `They're very athletic. ... They killed us on the boards and we had too many turnovers.'

Freshman Katie Steigleman led the Lancers in scoring with 10 points, while older sister Rachel Steigleman and freshman Carmen Williams added eight apiece.

Sheldon 65, North Eugene 41

Keri Bellotti scored 16 points, including 10-of-11 shooting from the foul line, and Jen Wassom and Kendra Little added 13 and 11, respectively, to pace the host Irish.

Sheldon led 33-23 at halftime and stayed comfortably ahead late in the game by making 13-of-16 free throws in the fourth quarter.

Jacque Barton had 13 points and Ashley Ficek had 11 to lead the Highlanders.

South Eugene 73, Lebanon 72

LEBANON - Callie McVicker gave the Axemen the lead for good with back-to-back layups with 1:58 remaining, and Camille Richey converted a pair of technical-foul free throws with 48 seconds left to ice the victory.

Richey and McVicker each finished with 13 points, and Jesslyn Rahm and Essie Nagler had 11 apiece to lead the Axemen, who made eight three-pointers.

Chelsea Hartman scored 22 to lead the Warriors, followed by Destiny Neuenschwander with 16 and Jamie Martinez with 10.

Marshfield 44, Thurston 40

COOS BAY - Leah Worthen had 17 points and Heather Porter added 10 to lead the Pirates.

Isabel Yasana converted two free throws after stealing an inbounds pass with 10 seconds left to seal the win.

Haley Rogers paced the Colts with 15 points and sophomore Melissa Montes contributed 10.

Grants Pass 62, Springfield 18

GRANTS PASS - Ashley Franko had 13 points to lead the Cavemen, who had 24 field goals to the Millers' seven.

Carly Wiebe and Sueann Bankus had seven points apiece for Springfield.

CAPTION(S):

The Wolverines' Shelby Stephens drives for two of her 24 points in Willamette's victory over Churchill.