Since claiming the 4A Greater Oregon League title on Feb. 17, the Tigers have been on the practice court preparing for the first round of state tournament play.

LA GRANDE — After claiming the 4A Greater Oregon League title, La Grande now begins a push towards a state title with a first-round home game on Saturday, March 2.

No. 6 La Grande (16-8 overall) hosts 11th-seeded Marist Catholic (11-11 overall) with tipoff scheduled for 2 p.m.

The Spartans make the trip to La Grande after finishing second in the 4A Sky Em League behind champion Marshfield. Marist Catholic has dropped three of the team’s last four games and have not seen action since Feb. 23 when the Spartans lost 39-24 to Philomath.

Marist Catholic plays one of the stingiest defenses in the state, allowing only 787 points, third best among all 4A teams. The Spartans are not known for scoring prowess as Marist Catholic only put up a total of 860 points, second worst in its league.

La Grande head coach Brian Wright and the Tigers have also had plenty of practice time before finally opening state play. The Tigers are on a three-game win streak with the last time actually seeing action way back on Feb. 17, a 54-51 victory over Pendleton for the league title.

The winner will take on either Baker or top-seeded Philomath in quarterfinal play.