For the first time since in West Albany History, the girls basketball team took home the state title.

THE UNDERDOGS

Bulldogs Defeat Three Higher Seeded Teams to Win State

West Albany High School has won many state titles over the years in bands and sports teams in the past. But there is one sport that hasn’t won a title yet—until this year.

     This basketball season will be remembered as historic for WAHS. The team captured the first state championship in program history, marking a milestone for the school.

     Last season, the Bulldogs fell in the state quarterfinals to Silverton, 63-58. Heading into this year, they were not favored to win. After their first playoff game against No. 12 Bend, they were ranked lower than every remaining opponent. But, after defeating No. 4 Crater in the quarterfinals, 69-62, the team began to build unstoppable momentum. 

     The Bulldogs carried the energy all the way to the finals, where they would face No. 2 Springfield for the State Championship. Wearing blue jerseys to represent their underdog status, and backed by a student section dressed in pink and full of energy, the girls stepped onto the Linfield University court for the game their season had been building toward. 

     In a highly anticipated matchup—also a rematch after a loss to Springfield in previous years—the tension filled the stands, sidelines, and court. When the final buzzer sounded, the scoreboard read 51-48, securing West Albany’s first-ever basketball state championship. Even in a male-dominated sport, it was the girls who made history—shifting expectations and proving they could lead the way.

SEASON REFLECTIONS

Star athletes talk about their experiences

JUNIOR GUARD PAYTON STARWALT

“Everyone was out there for each other. We played for each other every single game, [and] I’ve made some really great relationships here. It’s honestly amazing. They believe in me more than I believe in myself; they’re always there to support me, and it’s really helped my confidence and everything. West Albany is definitely special that way; it’s not that way everywhere.”

JUNIOR GUARD NATALIE TIDWELL

“Even if we didn’t win, we still were able to get better because you learn from your losses, and we’re privileged to be in this opportunity to get these chances. We’re in this position where we’re able to represent little West Albany, and I mean, [there is] no regrets.” 

THE IMPACT ON THE TEAM

Two Player’s Affect on Winning the Championship

Throughout the 2025-2026 varsity girls basketball season, two players have stood out on the court and on the scoreboard. Those players are juniors Payton Starwalt and Natalie Tidwell. 

     Starwalt and Tidwell shine not only because of their skill, but also because of their leadership and how that impacts the team. 

     “The way they just took control of the game, and just their leadership was amazing,” freshman Emily Hokama said. “Their energy was amazing, and they helped so much when they were staying calm, even under pressure.”

     Starwalt and Tidwell don’t just motivate the team by scoring; they lead by example, keeping their composure in high-stress situations. Those stressful moments are bound to happen when a team is in the playoffs, and especially when they’re vying for the state championship. 

     “Knowing that two of our top performing players were under control and knew exactly what they needed to do, they were effectively able to calm everyone else down, just know that we were able to achieve what we needed to achieve,” sophomore Lily Hamblin said.

     Staying calm and leading by example is just as important as scoring in basketball. 

    “They also led us with how they were able to shine within those games and [allowed] everyone else a time to shine as well,” Hamblin said. “So not only did they have their moments, they were able to be unselfish and let everyone else have their own time.”