Oregon City wins in triple OT

PORTLAND – Melair Holterhoff’s rebound basket gave Oregon City the lead for good as the No. 1 Pioneers beat No. 4 Central Catholic 55-46 in triple overtime Friday in the semifinals of the OSAA Class 6A girls basketball tournament at the Chiles Center.

Oregon City (23-2) plays No. 2 South Eugene, a 43-41 winner over McNary, for the state title today. It marks the 17th tournament final for the Pioneers, who have won 10 state championships.

One of Oregon City’s losses this year was the Idaho State 5A champion Coeur d’Alene.

Central Catholic (22-7) trailed by 14 points late in the third quarter when, led by Kate Lanz, the Rams rallied to force overtime. Central Catholic had chances to win the game at the end of the first two overtimes, but missed shots at the buzzer.

Oregon City finally pulled it out on Holterhoff’s basket a minute into the third overtime. The Pioneers went on to outscore Central Catholic 9-0 during the final overtime.

Lanz scored 25 points, include 15 during the second half.

Holterhoff scored 12 points and grabbed six rebounds for Oregon City.