The Lady Eagles finished with their heads high.

Joseph High School girls basketball team on Feb. 17 at Baker City wrapped up its challenging season with a familiar result. The Eagles, in the first round of a tournament for the Old Oregon Leagues championship, lost to the Powder Valley High Badgers by a score of 50-27. But Josephs young girls, including only one senior, continued to support each other as they had for the past three months.

We got 10 times better than we were when we started, said freshman Hailee McClure, who scored a basket in the playoff. Im so proud of all these girls. We knew every game would be tough. That brought us together in order to get things done.

Joseph ended up with an overall record of 1-19.

The Eagles recognized junior Jade DeLurys development as a point guard. After beginning this season unsure of herself, she finally resembled a first-class ball handler at Baker City. She directed a fast-paced offense and scored a team-leading 8 points. Bouncing all over the court, she grabbed four rebounds. On defense, she stole the ball five times.

Josephs usual top scorers struggled against Powder Valley. Senior Jesse Kohlhepp, a veteran of two state champions her first two years, managed 6 points in her last game. Freshman Breanna Gibsons only point came via a free-throw. McClure mustered a layup. 

However, all three found other ways to contribute. Kohlhepp pulled down eight rebounds. Gibson and McClure each grabbed five. Kohlhepp also made four steals. Gibson assisted a teammate on a score.

Meanwhile, freshman Holly Taylor tallied 6 points. Junior Paige Hunting and freshman Noel Taylor each chipped in a basket.

Almost all of the Eagles will return next winter. They must make do without this years top scorer, Kohlhepp. But a couple of freshmen on a young roster learned at an accelerated pace. Gibson quickly emerged as an accurate shooter from the perimeter, while McClure later was counted on for aggressive drives.

Were gonna be better, McClure said. All of us younger girls got experience, and we got better.