A Season of Grit: Storm Fall to Undefeated Clackamas in Finale

SALEM, Ore. — There's no easy way to face a juggernaut. On Wednesday night, the Chemeketa Storm (20-9, 10-6) welcomed the undefeated Clackamas Cougars (29-0, 16-0) to the Storm Center for the regular-season finale. It was a clash of titans that lived up to the physical billing, but despite a spirited third-quarter rally, the Storm fell 81-61 to the top-ranked team in the NWAC.

While the final score doesn't show it, the game was a testament to Chemeketa's refusal to fold. Facing a team that hasn't tasted defeat all year, the Storm fought through early shooting jitters and turnover trouble to remind everyone why they reached the 20-win milestone this season.

Weathering the Initial Blast

The first half was a masterclass in pressure from the Cougars. Clackamas jumped out to a 17-7 lead in the opening frame, utilizing a relentless full-court press that rattled the Storm's rhythm. By halftime, Chemeketa trailed 37-22, struggling to find consistent looks against a lengthy Clackamas defense.

The Third Quarter Spark

Everything changed after the break. Chemeketa emerged for the third quarter with a chip on their shoulder, outscoring the Cougars 24-21 in the period.

• Mia Fullbright was the engine, attacking the paint with aggression to finish with a team-high 16 points and 7 rebounds.

• Patricia Mike showcased her scoring touch with 13 points, including a crucial three-pointer that cut into the lead.

• Ella Holwege did the "dirty work," flirted with a double-double (10 points, 9 rebounds), and distributed 6 assists to keep the offense moving.

For a moment, the Storm Center felt like it might witness an upset for the ages. The gap narrowed, the energy shifted, and the Cougars looked—for the first time all night—vulnerable.

The Statistical Story

The Storm actually won the battle on the boards, out-rebounding the Cougars 32-30, and they were clinical from the charity stripe, finishing a perfect 13-of-13 (100%) on free throws.

Ultimately, the game was decided by the "extra possession" battle. Chemeketa's 27 turnovers proved to be the Achilles' heel; against a team as efficient as Clackamas, those lost opportunities translated into 23 fourth-quarter points for the Cougars, sealing the game and their perfect regular season.

Heads High into the Postseason

Though the season ended with a loss, the perspective in the locker room remains one of immense pride. Finishing the regular season with 20 wins is a massive achievement, and pushing the #1 team in the conference to their limit in the second half provides plenty of momentum heading into the NWAC tournament.

The Storm proved tonight that when they take care of the ball, they can play with anyone in the Northwest. Now, the real season begins.

Photo Credit: The Athlete Studio     Instagram: @TheAthlete_Studio