LA GRANDE — Senior Night proved to be special for La Grande on Thursday, Feb. 8. In addition to honoring the outgoing players, the Tigers picked up their first league victory and put behind an earlier season loss to Ontario, posting a 60-33 Greater Oregon League win over visiting Ontario.

“The senior boys and whole team stepped up to beat Ontario,” La Grande head coach Shawn Brooks said. “Our defensive presence really picked up in the second half giving us great transition buckets.”

Unlike the Jan. 19 40-39 loss to Ontario, La Grande was hitting on all cylinders and pulled the hometown crowd into the game early with dunks by senior Caeden Barrett. La Grande started the game with a 16-point first quarter followed by a seven-point second quarter to lead Ontario at halftime with 23 points on the board.

Kalvin Iohp finished the game with 12 points and received high praise from Brooks.

“Kalvin has a solid game on offense and defense and really penetrated well to put pressure on the defense, scoring and dishing the rock for easy baskets,” Brooks said of Iohp.

Aaron Weaver finished with 13 points for La Grande as well as defending Ontario’s big man, Cohen Evans.

“Aaron defended their tall post really well and also had a great offensive game,” said Brooks.

The La Grande victory was led by Landon Hood’s 16 points in addition to adding several steals.

“Quinten Thieler had a great defensive game, bringing great hustle and toughness which led to several steals or turnovers,” Brooks said. “All of this helped us get out in transition and score easy buckets.”

Coming off an ankle injury, senior Talin Hayden connected with two long range 3-pointers in the game.

“I am proud of the boys for their resiliency after a long losing streak to keep battling and competing each game,” said the La Grande coach. “The boys were firing on all cylinders especially in the second half and this was a great team win. It was great to get the ‘W’ especially on Senior Night.”

La Grande ends the regular season with a 5-17 overall record, including a 1-5 4A GOL showing.

Third in the league standings, La Grande host Ontario on Feb. 13 as the district tournament kicks off in La Grande. The two teams will tip off at 6 p.m. with the winner heading to Pendleton on Feb. 15.