Sierra Lutheran boys win league title

For the first time in school history, the Sierra Lutheran boys basketball team has won a league title.

Sierra Lutheran clinched the league title with a 59-23 win over Excel Christian on Tuesday. The Falcons left no doubt they were on their way to winning the Western 1A crown when the jumped out to a 21-2 lead after the first quarter.

Quinn Cummings had 13 points and three steals, Logan Schinzing had 15 points, eight rebounds and four steals and Nathan Waite added 10 points and three steals for the Falcons.

“It was a very special evening for these senior boys tonight,” Sierra Lutheran coach Ben Walther said. I was proud of their teamwork and comradery. It was a good end to the regular season, especially winning the league for the first time in program history. Now on to the post-season.”

Sierra Lutheran, which finished 9-1 in league, will open the playoffs as the No. 1 seed when it plays the East’s No. 4 seed, McDermitt at 8:15 p.m. Thursday at Wooster. The top two finishers in the regional playoffs will advance to the state tournament.

Sierra Lutheran girls win

The Sierra Lutheran girls basketball team also beat Excel Christian 61-15 and advanced to the 1A regional playoffs as well by finishing fourth in league.

The Falcons outscored Excel Christian 19-0 to take a 48-11 lead after three quarters. Amanda Almeida had a huge game for the Falcons as she had a double double with 27 points and 10 rebounds. Mikayla Talkington also had a double double with 14 points and 12 rebounds.

“This was a great end to our season at home, especially for our seniors Amanda, Taylor (Davison), and Melissa (Steele),” Siera Lutheran coach Danika Neal said. “They have been invaluable leaders this year.”

The Sierra Lutheran girls will open the playoffs at 6:35 p.m. Thursday against the East’s No. 1 seed, McDermitt.