HERMISTON – A possible trip to the state quarterfinals and a possible 18-game win streak are on the line for Hermiston at 3 p.m. today, as it welcomes Benson in a Class 4A boys state sub-tournament basketball game.

Fresh off a 60-56 victory over West Salem on Wednesday, and on the heels of its first Intermountain Conference championship since 1983, Hermiston looks to make it 18 consecutive victories and earn a berth in the state quarterfinals in Eugene next week.

“They didn’t look as physical and big as I expected a PIL team to look,” Usher said of his initial reaction after viewing Benson on tape. “But athletically, they look all that and then some.”

The Bulldogs won just their fifth playoff game in school history over West Salem on Wednesday and are looking for their first quarterfinal appearance since 1958 when Hermiston lost to Roseburg 57-49.

“We committed way to many turnovers against West Salem,” Usher said. “We have to do a better job of controlling the ball and limiting their second-chance opportunities.”

Benson (19-6), meanwhile, is familiar with postseason play. It has won five state titles and finished runner-up twice, including a second-place finish in 2001. The Techmen, however, missed the playoffs last season, but earned the Portland Interscholastic League No. 2 seed before beating Oregon City 75-53 on Wednesday in a state sub-tournament contest.

Junior Tresean Owens (6-foot-3) leads the Techmen in scoring at 15.1 points per game, while sophomore Sean Brownhill (6-0) adds 10.7 per game. Senior guard Jeremy Lathan (5-9) scores 10.3 per game.

“They can shoot the ball extremely well,” Usher said. “They have five or seven players that can spot up and shoot it.”

Ameer Shamsud-Din (6-0) comes off the bench for the Techmen and makes an impact, according to Usher.

“He can shoot the lights out,” Usher said. “If we want to give ourselves a chance, we really have to get a hand up on their shooters.”

Hermiston was honored with more accolades earlier this week, as senior forward Paul Carollo was named the IMC Player of the Year and Usher was named the IMC co-Coach of the Year.

Carollo (6-4) led the IMC in scoring and put up 23 points against West Salem. Hermiston senior Juan Rodriguez (6-3) adds just over 11 points per game.