When the final buzzer went off in Friday’s game, Powder Valley’s fans began to file out of the gymnasium, knowing the Badgers just let one slip away to Old Oregon League rival Joseph.

For Jo-Hi fans, there was much to celebrate, as the No. 1-ranked Badgers (11-1 overall, 3-1 Old Oregon League) had been outplayed by the seventh-ranked Eagles in a 48-46 upset, leaving JHS the only remaining undefeated team in the Old Oregon League.

“This was a huge win for us to beat Powder Valley at Powder Valley,” said JHS head coach Lance Homan. “They are a very talented and well-coached team that plays very active.”

The Eagles trailed (10-2, 4-0) 12-7 after the first quarter, but quickly erased the deficit in the second by outscoring PVHS 19-6 to take a 26-18 lead into halftime.

“We got down seven points early in the second quarter when Brooke Moncrief hit two threes and stole an inbounds pass and laid it in to put us up by one,” Homan said.

Jo-Hi was able to fend off numerous Powder Valley leads and comeback attempts during the contest. Most of the comebacks were ignited by the Badgers steadiness from the free throw line, making 13 of 16 attempts, led by Kali Miller, who finished six for six at the free throw line.

The Badgers cut the lead to six by the end of the third quarter and to two points late in the fourth, but a basket by freshman Nicke Parks with 8.3 seconds remaining in the game gave the Eagles a two-point cushion and eventually the win.

JHS had to grind out the win without one its leading defenders, Megan Yost, due to an injury that occurred on Tuesday.

“Megan got hurt Tuesday, so we knew the young girls would have to step up and they did,” Homan said. “Paige Bailey, Lena Moro and Auburn Isaak really helped fill the void.”

Moncrief netted a game-high 15 points and grabbed three steals. Parks added 10 points and two blocks, while Emily Williams chipped in with eight points, six rebounds and two blocks.

While the Eagles had several offensive stars, Homan was equally proud of his team’s defensive efforts.

“I am really proud of the team’s effort. They really stepped it up for this game,” Homan said.

Joseph travels to Imbler on Friday for an OOL contest. Tip off for varsity is at approximately 6 p.m. On Saturday, the Eagles travl to Wallowa for a matchup of OOL rivals. Vasity action begin approximately at 4 p.m.