Tuesday Sports report: Crook County’s Bryce Lowenbach named 5A Co-Player of the year; Bend Native suits up for USA; The return of the SuperSonics
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ)-- As winter sports wrap up across Oregon, postseason honors are beginning to roll in and one local standout is leading the way.
According to The Oregonian’s coaches poll, Crook County senior Bryce Lowenbach has been named the 5A Player of the Year, capping off a dominant season for the Cowboys’ star big man.
Lowenbach was a force all year long, averaging a double-double with 23 points and 14 rebounds per game during the regular season. The 6-foot-10 senior served as the centerpiece for a Crook County team that captured the Intermountain Conference title, posted an impressive 26-2 record, and finished as the 5A state runner-up.
His impact was never more evident than in the state championship game, where Lowenbach delivered a monster performance with 30 points, 16 rebounds, and five blocks, despite an overtime loss.
Cowboys head coach Jason Mumm had nothing but praise for his senior leader.
“In my eyes—and I might be a little biased—he is the best player in the state of Oregon,” Mumm said. “He showed that throughout the tournament and especially in the state championship game. He does everything for us. He makes me look good as a coach with his ability to shoot, handle pressure, rebound, score, block shots, and defend on the perimeter. He does it all.”
While Lowenbach’s high school career comes to a close, another Central Oregon athlete is making waves on the international stage.
Bend native Sawyer Jura, a member of the Portland Timbers organization, is representing the United States U-20 Men’s National Team in a set of international friendlies this week in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Jura, 20, made his MLS debut in 2024 against FC Dallas and has continued to rise through the national team ranks. He is set to compete against Argentina on March 27 and Club Atlético on March 31. The midfielder has already made nine appearances for U.S. youth national teams.
Meanwhile, major developments could be on the horizon for the NBA.
League owners are expected to meet this week to discuss potential expansion, with Las Vegas and Seattle emerging as leading candidates for new franchises. A return of the Seattle SuperSonics has long been a priority for fans in the Pacific Northwest since the team relocated to Oklahoma City in 2008.
Washington Governor Bob Ferguson recently met with NBA Commissioner Adam Silver to discuss the possibility of bringing the team back to Seattle, a move that has gained significant local support.
Any expansion decision would require approval from at least 23 of the league’s 30 owners. In addition to expansion talks, owners are also expected to discuss the potential sale of the Portland Trail Blazers, which could be finalized by the end of the month.
