Winter sports had highlights, but left room for improvement

From the sidelines

By John Brewington

The South County Spotlight, Feb 24, 2010

John Brewington / The South County Spotlight

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As I head off for my annual vacation, I have a little bit of time to ponder the nearly complete winter high school sports season.

It’s been a great year for several of the teams–great success in some sports, but a few slips in some others.

Swimming wrapped up last weekend with the state meet at Mt. Hood Aquatic Center. It was as exciting a year as it could be for the St. Helens and Scappoose girls’ teams.

St. Helens pulled off a stunning championship in the 5A Northwest Oregon Conference Championships. They unexpectedly edged Sherwood by just four points. The Scappoose girls, fresh off winning the Cowapa League title, just missed winning the 4A/3A/2A/1A special district crown by four points.

A truly thrilling year for both teams.

Neither was expected to contend for a state placing, but as I write this before the state meet, I anticipate that both will have good moments and some girls will place well at state. It was fun to watch both excel–they really rose to the occasion.

District wrestling was last weekend, but still hadn’t occurred as I type away. Going in, I think Scappoose will probably finish second behind Tillamook. It’s hard predicting where St. Helens will finish, the NWOC is a pretty strong league. The Lions are in the upper echelon, but not at the top. Still, both teams should send some kids to state.

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