Riding the momentum of a standout winter, Madras High School athletes are charging through spring sports season. The White Buffaloes' boys basketball team capped an impressive run this past March with a third-place finish at the Oregon Class 4A State Tournament -- and the energy from that campaign has carried over into baseball, softball, track and field, and other spring sports now underway.
Basketball Finishes Season on a High Note
The White Buffaloes boys basketball team finished the 2025-26 season with a record of 21-6, one of the best in the program's recent history. The squad advanced to the Class 4A state semifinals at Forest Grove High School, where Matthew Suppah-Scott led the team with 19 points in a hard-fought 62-56 loss to La Grande. The Buffaloes then bounced back to win the third-place game and bring home a state trophy.
The season's success built on a strong Tri-Valley Conference campaign, even after a surprise loss on senior night when the Buffaloes fell 70-67 to a determined opponent -- a setback that only sharpened their focus heading into the postseason.
Spring Sports Take the Field
With the school year moving into May, Madras High School's spring athletics programs are in the heart of their seasons. The White Buffaloes' baseball and softball teams are competing in Tri-Valley Conference play, while track and field athletes are preparing for conference and district championship meets.
Spring is also a season for individual achievement, and Madras athletes have historically punched above their weight on the track, with several standout performers representing the school at district-level competition.
Oregon Junior High Spring Rodeo Comes to Madras
Jefferson County's deep rodeo tradition gets a spotlight May 15-17 as the Jefferson County Event Complex (Fairgrounds) hosts the Oregon Junior High Division Spring Rodeo. The multi-day event fills Corwin Arena and the outdoor facilities, giving young rodeo athletes from across the state a chance to compete on home turf.
The fairgrounds recently received over $62,000 in grant funding -- including $48,000 from Visit Central Oregon's Future Fund and $14,500 from St. Charles Health System -- earmarked in part for improving the Corwin Arena and expanding the Cowdeo youth rodeo program. Those improvements will benefit participants for years to come.
Fishing Season Heats Up
Spring also marks the start of prime fishing season at Lake Billy Chinook and the Deschutes River. Jefferson County Sheriff's Office is conducting watercraft safety inspections at Madras Marine on May 16 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Anglers and boaters are encouraged to get their equipment checked and licensed before hitting the water.
Local fishing guides report that warm spring conditions are bringing fish to the surface early this year, with rainbow trout and Chinook salmon among the top targets for Central Oregon anglers this month.