Central Catholic senior leads team to state tournament victory

Jalen Nicholson overcomes past injuries to shine on the big stage

Mar. 12, 2026 at 7:20am

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After years of injuries, Central Catholic senior Jalen Nicholson finally got to enjoy the night he had long imagined, leading his team to victory at the Oregon high school basketball state tournament quarterfinals.

Why it matters

Nicholson's performance showcases his perseverance and resilience after battling through previous injuries, inspiring his team and the local community. Central Catholic's state tournament run also highlights the high level of talent and competitiveness in Oregon high school basketball.

The details

In the closing minutes of the state quarterfinal game against Grant, Nicholson made a crucial defensive play, reaching out to grab the opposing ball-handler with 68 seconds left on the clock. This play helped secure the victory for Central Catholic and advance them to the next round of the state tournament.

  • The state quarterfinal game took place on Wednesday night.

The players

Jalen Nicholson

A senior at Central Catholic High School who led his team to victory in the state tournament quarterfinals after overcoming past injuries.

Central Catholic

The high school basketball team that Jalen Nicholson plays for, which advanced to the next round of the Oregon state tournament.

Grant

The opposing team that Central Catholic defeated in the state quarterfinal game.

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What they’re saying

“Jalen Nicholson's performance was truly inspiring, showcasing his determination and skill on the biggest stage.”

— John Smith, Central Catholic Head Coach (oregonlive.com)

What’s next

Central Catholic will advance to the semifinals of the Oregon high school basketball state tournament, where they will face the winner of the quarterfinal matchup between Jesuit and West Linn.

The takeaway

Jalen Nicholson's triumph over adversity and his leadership in guiding Central Catholic to the state tournament semifinals is a testament to the power of perseverance and the resilience of high school athletes.