5A Girls State Tournament: Millers advance to finals
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EUGENE, Ore. (AP) — Mercedes Russell recorded 18 points and 10 rebounds and Springfield defeated Crescent Valley 49-28 Friday afternoon in the semifinals of the OSAA Class 5A girls basketball tournament at Matthew Knight Arena.
The Millers (26-2), who have won 12 straight, will play for their first state title on Saturday night against either fellow Midwestern League member Willamette or West Albany.
Russell, Springfield's 6-foot-5 sophomore center, fought through constant double teams to make 6-of-8 shots. She also made 6-of-7 from the free-throw line.
Hannah Doran scored 13 points to pace the Raiders (21-6), who shot 23.8 percent from the field compared to 48.5 for Springfield.
The Millers led 17-12 at halftime and then outscored Crescent Valley 19-6 in the third quarter to put the game out of reach.
