SUTHERLIN – One month after winning their fourth straight state championship, the Sutherlin Lady Bulldogs had two players and their coach land on the All-State basketball list released by the Oregonian.
Sutherlin senior Taylor Stricklin was announced as an All-State first team selection on Wednesday. Stricklin, an All-State Honorable Mention selection as a junior, scored 24 points in the state title game, helping the Bulldogs pull-off an epic 18-point comeback for the championship. The All-State selection comes after Stricklin was also named the Sky-Em League Player of the Year.
Stricklin is also one of three finalists for the state Player of the Year award. The Bulldogs have taken home the state Player of the Year award for the past three seasons and four times over five years. Kayce Mock won the award in 2016, following Miranda Mendenhall, who won it in 2015 and 2014. Former Sutherlin standout Kelsey Hill won the Player of the Year award in 2012. The winner of the 2017 award is expected to be announced later this week.
Stricklin’s teammate Harlee Baker was voted to the Honorable Mention All-State team. The junior dealt with injuries throughout the season, but made it back for the post season run. She scored 11 points in the 4A state championship game and was selected as a All-Tournament first team player.
Sutherlin head coach Josh Grotting was voted the state Coach of the Year for a fourth straight season. His streak started in 2014 after leading the Bulldogs to the first of four straight state titles.
Also on the 4A girls All-State team is Douglas senior Darian Mitchell, who was voted to the first team. Mitchell led the Lady Trojans to a second place finish in the Far West League and was voted league’s co-Player of the Year. The Trojans made the first round of the 4A playoffs, but were knocked out by Sutherlin.
On the boy’s side, South Umpqua’s Cody Gray was the lone 4A All-State selection from the region. Gray was an Honorable Mention All-State selection.
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