SPORTS A10 — THE OBSERVER THURSDAY, MARCH 24, 2022 SHRINE Continued from Page A9 Dixon was a key piece in a state title push by the Badgers this year, which came up just one score short in a narrow loss to Adrian. Powder Valley concluded the year 11-2 overall and fi n- ished the year ranked No. 2 in the 1A rankings. “Reece had a tremen- dous year on both sides of the ball,” Powder Valley head coach Josh Cobb said. “He just makes things happen when he has the ball in his hands.” Dixon is one of just two 1A players on the east roster, joining Adrian quarterback Conley Martin. Dixon and Martin squared off in the 1A state champi- onship, with the Ante- lopes coming out on top 46-38 in a thrilling matchup. “After playing in the state championship and coming up just short, it’s a nice chance to play one more time,” Dixon said. Cobb and Dixon both noted that representa- tives from 1A schools earning spots on the Shrine game teams is a positive sign for small- school football. Dixon and Martin are two of nine athletes partici- pating on both teams, as players and alternates. “It says a lot about 1A football,” Cobb said. “Conley (Martin) and Reece have been battling for years, so it’s pretty cool to see them play on the same team. They are true competitors on and off the fi eld.” “I think it shows a lot about 1A football and that we can play against the bigger schools,” Dixon said. MacMillan, a run- ning back, was a key piece of both La Grande’s offensive and defensive efforts, helping the Tigers finish the year 7-2 overall. La Grande’s season came to a conclusion in the Alex Wittwer/EO Media Group, File Ryan Brennecke/The Bulletin Powder Valley’s Reece Dixon (7) drops back for a pass during the second quarter of the Class 1A state semifi nal game against St. Paul at Caldera High School in Bend on Saturday, Nov. 20, 2021. Dixon was one of 11 fi rst-team all-league nominations on Powder Valley’s roster. SHRINE GAME ROSTER East Roster Coaches — Erik Davis, Pendleton; Steve Stebbins, South Umpqua; Kenzie Hansell, Weston-McEwen. Team — Reece Dixon, Powder Valley; Conley Martin, Adrian; Gunner Yates, Coquille; Brock Hisler, Heppner; Gavin Patterson, Lakeview; Justin Hodge, Grant Union; Carter Burnette, Stanfi eld; Cooper Lang, Bandon; Theo White, Weston-McEwen; Tanner Steele, Vale; Thomas Mentes, Southerlin; Austin Waits, Cascade Christian; Camp Lacou- ture, Siuslaw; Teagan De Forest, La Pine; Stephen Machin, La Pine; Jackson Risinger, Santiam Christian; Kade Johnson, South Umpqua; Cole Jorgensen, La Grande; Jazeon Hammick, Gladstone; Gauge Bloomer, Baker; Tulson Higgins, Henley; Jake Behrman, Estacada; Nate Tramp, Mazama; Joey Comyford, North Valley; Trenton Hughes, Hood River Valley; Caden Lasater, Crater; Gabe Robles, Red- mond; Gabe Browning, Pendleton; Brycen Thomas, Churchill; Ryan Asplund, Ridgeview. 4A state quarterfinals. MacMillan’s bruising rushing style earned him Greater Oregon League offensive player of the year honors, as well as taking home a first-team district defen- sive selection at line- backer. The senior also earned second-team all- state offensive honors and an honorable men- tion defensive selection. “It was really cool to get recognized,” Mac- Millan said. In 1952, a group of Shriners in Union and Umatilla counties formed the East-West game to recognize high school football players. The contest was held in Pendleton at Round-Up Arena from 1952 through 1972, before moving to Baker City. The funds raised for the game go toward the Port- land Shriners Hospital for Children. This year’s game is set for Saturday, Aug. 6, at Baker Bulldog Memo- rial Stadium. The East holds a 34-31-3 advan- tage in the series and was victorious in last year’s matchup, run- ning away with a 34-6 decision. “To cap off a high school career playing in the Shrine Game is quite an honor,” Cobb said. Makenna Shorts (1) leaps toward the basket to score for La Grande at La Grande High School on Thursday, Dec. 2, 2021. La Grande bested Umatilla 52-28. At the end of the season, Shorts earned a selection to the Greater Oregon League fi rst team alongside teammate Grace Neer. STANDOUTS Continued from Page A9 Shorts and senior Grace Neer both earned selec- tions on the first team. Shorts tallied 175 points, 160 rebounds, 49 steals and 56 assists on the season. Neer recorded 146 points, 107 rebounds, 18 steals and 18 assists. In her first high school season, freshman Kayle Collman earned a spot on the second team. The Tigers finished the season 13-10 overall and 4-2 in league play. La Grande defeated Valley Catholic 58-35 in the 4A state play-in matchup to earn a spot in the first round of the state playoffs. The Tigers ultimately fell 58-48 to Cascade in the first round of the playoffs. Alex Wittwer/EO Media Group, File Devin Bell (5) dribbles down the court during the OSAA 4A State Championship playoff match between Banks and La Grande at La Grande High School on Friday, March 4, 2022. The La Grande Tigers fell to the Banks Braves 58-55 in the fi nal seconds as the Braves sank a 3-point buzzer-beater. Bell, a senior, earned Greater Oregon League player of the year at the conclusion of the season. GREATER OREGON LEAGUE BOYS TEAMS GREATER OREGON LEAGUE GIRLS TEAM Player of the year: Devin Bell, La Grande Coach of the year: Mark Carollo, La Grande 1st team: Isaiah Jones, Baker Paul Hobson, Baker Hudson Spike, Baker Brady Hutchins, La Grande Sam Tsiatsos, La Grande 2nd team: Jaron Long, Baker Jaxon Logsdon, Baker Logan Williams, La Grande Jace Schow, La Grande Tyce Helmick, Ontario Player of the year: Jozie Ramos, Baker Coach of the year: Jason Ramos, Baker 1st team: Rylee Elms, Baker Macey Moore, Baker Makenna Shorts, La Grande Emma Leber, McLoughlin Grace Neer, La Grande 2nd team: Darby Rhoads, McLoughlin Madi Perkins, McLoughlin Brooklyn Jaca, Baker Kayle Collman, La Grande Kira Evans, Ontario Globe Furniture is proud of our 75 year tradition of serving the families of Northeast Oregon. Name Brands: La-Z-Boy, Simmons, Ekornes, Beautyrest, Aspen Home, Howard Miller, Steve Silver, Stanton, Oak Creek, Hillsdale, and many more. Best Pricing: Our group buying power assures you of the best values. Selection: With 17,000 square feet on display, and hundreds of items in our huge warehouse, we can usually find what you want. If not we’re happy to special order an item for you. Service: Free Delivery, Free Set Up, Free Disposal of your old furniture, and service after the sale. Easy Credit: In store credit or lay-a-way if you prefer. Queen-sized Beautyrest Mattress La-Z-Boy Recliner $ 649 6 Pc. Charcoal finished (Table, 4 chairs and bench) Dining Set $ 899 ™ $ • Free Delivery • In-Store Credit • 70 Store Buying Power • Decorating Assistance 599 $ Casual Sofa with Accent Pillows only 899 HOURS:Mon. - Fri. 9:30 am-6:30 pm Sat. 9:30 am-5:30 pm Sun. 12 noon-4 pm 1520 ADAMS AVENUE La GRANDE, OREGON 97850 (541) 963-4144 • 888-449-2704