Jazzy Davidson, Clackamas are back in 6A girls semifinals, but defending champions say there's nothing to celebrate yet

Davidson puts up 27 points, six rebounds and four blocked shots Thursday as Cavaliers ease past Jesuit in an OSAA 6A quarterfinal

Paul Valencia | Mar 8, 2024

The defending state champions have not done enough.

That’s the mindset of the Clackamas Cavaliers.

Sure, they won the OSAA 6A girls basketball state championship last year, and they haven’t lost to an Oregon team since 2022, but this season’s Cavaliers are still two wins from their goal

“We haven’t really won anything yet,” junior Sara Barhoum said after Clackamas cruised past Jesuit 61-34 at the University of Portland's Chiles Center on Thursday night in the state quarterfinals.

That is the motivation. That is how the Cavaliers do not get overconfident.

“We’re not done,” Barhoum said. “The bigger thing is staying on top of that and just keep putting in the work every single day.”

“We go really hard in practice,” junior Avery Peterson added, noting the team does not look ahead to anything. “We all have one goal.”

Jazzy Davidson was her typical dominant self Thursday with 27 points, six rebounds and four blocked shots. Barhoum added 13 points and three assists. Reyce Mogel had eight points and six rebounds. Peterson had seven points and a team-high five assists.

The passing on this team is contagious. By the middle of the third quarter, six players had recorded at least one assist.

“When we move the ball and everyone is on the same page, everyone is fueling each other to keep going,” Peterson said.

“It’s normally like that. We’ve been playing together for so long. We know each other so well, where we’re going to be,” Barhoum said. “The biggest thing for us is not being selfish. Staying together is how we’re going to win.”

Clackamas Jesuit 6A Oregon girls basketball quarterfinal 2024 Naji Saker-128

The Cavaliers (23-3) will need that unity Friday night. Clackamas, the No. 2 seed, will take on No. 6 Benson at 8:15 p.m. in one semifinal. Clackamas has played just one game this season against an Oregon opponent that was not a double-digit victory: against Benson, a five-point win Dec. 29.

“They’re a tough team. We just have to stay locked in,” Barhoum said. “Physically, take care of our bodies tonight and get ready for (Friday).”

Peterson said the Cavaliers will need to maintain their composure against such a quality opponent.

They did that Thursday against No. 10 Jesuit.

The Cavaliers ended the first quarter on an 11-3 spurt to take control, then pushed the lead to 16 points by halftime.

Jesuit had no answer. The Crusaders shot 18 percent from the field in the first half, and every miss seemed like an opportunity for Clackamas to run.

“We have an identity,” Peterson said. “Defense fuels our offense.”

Davidson scored 10 of her points in the third quarter as the lead grew to 21 going to the fourth. At one point in the third period, Clackamas had assisted on 12 of its 18 field goals.

Clackamas Jesuit 6A Oregon girls basketball quarterfinal 2024 Naji Saker-127

Jesuit coach Jason Lowery was impressed — with his team and with the Cavaliers.

“I told our girls I was proud of their fight. I thought we competed,” Lowery said.

Audrey Bayless scored 10 points to lead Jesuit. Kendra Hicks grabbed 16 rebounds.

“Sometimes you lose basketball games,” Lowery added. “I’ve been doing this 28 years. I’ve lost basketball games. If a team beats us, tip your hat off to them. That’s a good squad. Jazzy is special. It’s going to be hard for anyone to beat them.

“But we’re already thinking about tomorrow.”

Jesuit (20-7) will take on No. 14 Grants Pass at 10:45 a.m. Friday in the consolation bracket. Friday’s winner will play for a trophy Saturday.

Of course, the main event Friday will be at night.

It will be Clackamas vs. Benson in the final game of the day at the Chiles Center, a championship semifinal matchup.

The Cavaliers will be ready.

Remember, the champions say they have not done anything yet.