The Lady Cougars hosted the defending state champs.

Wallowa High School girls basketball team continued its difficult schedule with another challenge. The Cougars lost Jan. 8 at home to Oregons top squad last year, Imbler High, by a score of 38-21. All season, the girls have played against tough opponents. Those include bigger schools, such as Enterprise and Stanfield. Even the list of small schools features some of the states best: Condon-Wheeler remains undefeated, Nixyaawii makes an annual climb up the state tournament, and Imbler last year won it all.

The setback evened Wallowas overall record at 6-6. Meanwhile, the Cougars started their schedule in the Old Oregon League at 0-1.

The Cougars mustered little offense. Freshman Morgan Waters led the way with 7 points. Junior Sara Chrisman managed 5 points, senior McKenzie Shelton had 4 points, junior Rebekah Jamerson 3. Senior Kuulei Delatori converted a couple of shots from the free-throw line, while junior Skylar Waters hit one.

Despite little success in shooting, the Cougars remained aggressive. Jamerson grabbed 9 rebounds, including seven misses by her team. That gave the Cougars several second chances. Meanwhile, the Cougars defense was strong. Several of them stole the ball away from Imbler three times each. They included junior Breanna Wallace, Skylar, Kuulei and McKenzie.