South Albany @ West Albany OSAA 5A Basketball 1-10-2025

Albany Rivalry Games

Friday, January 10, 2025, we got the chance, for the first time to go to the City of Albany, Oregon High School Basketball Rivalry games.  The atmosphere was electric!

For most of my time, here in Oregon and growing up, high school basketball have the varsity boys and girls teams playing at opposite sites each night, but this year is a bit different and both varsity teams playing at the same place, one before the other.  This time, the boys had the early game and the girls had the late game.

These games did NOT disappoint!

I could tell from the time we pulled up to West Albany High School, as we looked for a parking spot.  It was 20 minutes before the game and the parking lot was already packed.  Yes, there was a JV game going on, but man, the gym was already packed.  When we walked in, most of the seats were already filled, and people kept coming in.

The boys game was a tough one.  It was physical and both teams seemed up to the task.  For most of the game, West Albany was on top.  South Albany would fight and get close, but the Bulldogs would pull back away, but never getting more that low double digits in front.

At one point, West was up by nine and Tayler looked at me and said, “South by 2.”  I gave her a silly face, like, “yeah right, it’s 9 for West right now.”

Well, she was really close.  The game came down to the buzzer with Gavin Aguilar, (#2, Senior, G), having a chance to win the game with a “3” from the corner, that just missed as time expired.

The Redhawks got the 56-55 win.

For the Girls’ game, it was much of the same.  There was physical play, that included hard fouls, hustling bodies on the floor and lots of big “3’s”.

I think both of these teams are hopeful for deep runs in the state tournament.  Both teams have lots of talent, but both have taken a few lumps with some tough losses.

This game was a back and forth game for the entire time.  Karlee Martirano, (#5, Sophomore, G/W) and Payton Starwalt, (#32, Sophomore, G), from West would attack and score on one end as Kaylee Cordle, (#42, Junior, W) and Taylor Donaldson, (#21, Junior, P) would hit right back for South.

Both teams seemed very closely matched as this game went up and down the court.  Tough inside shots and rebounds as well as some sharp shooting on both ends.

West took a 4-point lead into the final minute as the Redhawks had the ball hoping for a miracle.  No miracle took place this time as Donaldson hit a “3” with just a few seconds left and no good way to get the ball back.

West defended home court with the 50-49 win.

I will keep an eye out for all of these teams for the rest of the season.  I think they all have a chance to make some noise throughout the rest of the year and into the postseason if they get some to bounce their way.

Keep an eye out here and check out the gallery, to see and purchase photos of your favorite players.  

Both digital downloads and prints can be purchased from the gallery.  All orders are processed by STRIPE (including ApplePay) or Paypal.  Print orders are fulfilled by Miller’s Professional Imaging and will ship direct to you.

When you see us out, feel free to introduce yourself.  We look forward to meeting you.

-JAY