Opponents had no chance.

Wallowa High School boys basketball team last week crushed two rivals in Old Oregon. The Cougars on Jan. 14 went to Halfway, where they defeated the Pine Eagle High Spartans by a score of 83-22. Back home the following night, they dismissed the Cove Leopards with a 57-40 decision.

It feels good when we play as a team, said senior Tyler Chrisman who scored each night 11 points. We want to win state this year, so everybody is working really hard. 

Two victories helped the Cougars keep pace with the Powder Valley Badgers at the top of the league. Wallowas record improved to 3-0, while Powder Valley has a slight edge at 4-0. The Cougars mark overall became 11-3. Their winning streak extended to eight.

Wallowa enjoyed a high-scoring weekend. Senior Ian Parks led the offense by totaling 35 points. Senior Ronald Gladden netted 29 points, senior Zach Staidle tallied 25 points, Chrisman had 22, junior Dusty McDaniel 11, sophomore Wesley Conrad 10. Several reserves joined in the scoring spree. Senior Conner Evans and junior Chris Wilks each converted shots from beyond the three-point arc. Senior Derek Shike added another basket.

The shooters were hot. Parks scored four three-pointers, and Staidle hit two. Evans and Wilks got in the act.

An aggressive defense never let go of the ball. McDaniel stole it 10 times over the weekend, Parks made nine steals. Gladden blocked eight shots by the opposition. The offense took advantage of the opportunities. McDaniel, who already knew passing after he quarterbacked Wallowas football team during the fall, dished 13 assists last weekend on the basketball court.

Wallowa has prepared for a big test this weekend. Next, the Cougars will play Jan. 21 at Joseph. The following day, Wallowa will host Powder Valley.