Late rally lifts Central Catholic over Jesuit in state basketball semifinal

Top-seeded Central Catholic outscored Jesuit 30-13 in the fourth quarter to win 65-59 and advance to the state final.

Mar. 14, 2026 at 1:11am

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Central Catholic defeated Jesuit 65-59 in the OSAA 6A state basketball semifinals on Friday, March 13, at the Chiles Center in Portland. Jesuit led by as many as 11 points in the fourth quarter, but Central Catholic, led by Zamir Paschal's 19 points in the final period, rallied late to secure the victory and advance to the state championship game.

Why it matters

This was a closely contested semifinal matchup between two of Oregon's top high school basketball programs. Central Catholic's comeback win over Jesuit, a perennial powerhouse, demonstrates the Rams' resilience and ability to win close games against tough opponents.

The details

Jesuit led 46-35 with 6:56 remaining in the fourth quarter, but Central Catholic, and specifically Zamir Paschal who scored 19 fourth quarter points, went on a 30-13 run to close out the game. Paschal made all seven of his fourth quarter shots, including two 3-pointers. Jesuit was led by senior guard Joe Stimpson, who had 17 points, six rebounds and three assists.

  • The game was played on Friday, March 13, 2026 at the Chiles Center in Portland.
  • Jesuit led by two after the first quarter, four at halftime, and eight after three quarters.

The players

Zamir Paschal

A senior player for Central Catholic who scored 23 points, including 19 in the fourth quarter, to lead the Rams' comeback.

Joe Stimpson

A senior guard for Jesuit who scored 17 points, grabbed six rebounds, and dished out three assists in the loss.

Gene Potter

The head coach of the Jesuit Crusaders basketball team.

Central Catholic

The top-seeded team that rallied late to defeat Jesuit and advance to the state championship game.

Jesuit

A perennial powerhouse high school basketball program that was upset by Central Catholic in the state semifinals.

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What they’re saying

“We handled the ball well and obviously making baskets is key, plus we shared the ball and did all the things we wanted to do defensively. They just got on a roll and we just couldn't answer the call and physicality of the game.”

— Gene Potter, Jesuit Head Coach

“I'm only proud of these boys. Most people didn't expect us to be playing on Saturday, but these guys did everything we asked of them all year. We had a chance tonight, which is all you can give yourself.”

— Gene Potter, Jesuit Head Coach

What’s next

Jesuit will face Benson in the third place game at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday at the Chiles Center.

The takeaway

Central Catholic's comeback win over Jesuit in the state semifinals demonstrates the Rams' ability to win close games against tough opponents, even when trailing late. This loss for Jesuit is disappointing, but the Crusaders exceeded expectations this season and can be proud of their effort.