Toeing the line works for Sheldon.

Byline: Shawn Miller The Register-Guard

In a Sheldon practice, a missed free throw forces the team to run. So, in accordance with the being-a-good-teammate rule, don't miss.

That mantra carried over into the sixth-ranked Irish's home playoff game on Wednesday, when they sank 19 of 25 free throws in the fourth quarter to rout West Linn 61-42.

However, it was nowhere near a record, which Sheldon owns with its 43-of-48 shooting at the charity strip in a state consolation game last season - a triple-overtime victory against Oregon City.

"This is nothing," Sheldon coach Luke Roth said with a grin.

The Irish play at No. 7 Tualatin on Saturday for a berth in the Class 6A state tournament.

On Wednesday night, seven Sheldon players made at least one free throw in the final 3:30, when West Linn coach Glen Lee continuously screamed out "Red" - the Lions' signal to foul.

Before the final quarter, neither team led by more than seven points - Sheldon's 24-17 halftime lead. In fact, the Irish held a slim 34-30 lead after West Linn guard Emily Wattman-Turner scored with 6:23 remaining.

Soon after, Sheldon clamped down defensively and capitalized on opportunities at the free-throw line to keep the season alive.

"It was really important that we finish those," said Sheldon senior Katie Steigleman, who scored a game-high 24 points to go with seven rebounds, four assists and three steals.

"I'm a senior and ... I just knew that you can't lose the first game and not make it to state. That's where I want to be."

After scoring on a putback to give the Irish a 36-30 lead, Steigleman made both free throws on the ensuing possession to spark the gathering at the free-throw line. Taylor Ward then scored on a traditional three-point play to provide Sheldon a 41-30 lead.

"Free throws are important," said Ward, who scored eight of her 13 points in the final 4:29. "Even if they are at the beginning of the game, they help us toward the end of the game."

Steigleman and Ward each drained six of seven free throws as the Irish made 22 of 29 from the charity strip. Andrea Anderson, who finished with a career-high 10 points and five rebounds, netted four of five attempts.

"They are really important in practice," Steigleman said. "They're not just a casual thing. You miss one and you run."

And in the playoffs, you make most and you keep playing.