Oregon Class 6A round of 16 playoff breakdown
As the 6A playoffs move to the Round of 16, we take a look at Friday’s match ups as teams battle for a trip to the Chiles Center and the quarterfinals.
Photo Credit: Statesman Journal
GAME TO WATCH: Grant (9) at Sprague (8)
It only makes sense that the 8-9 match up jumps out as the best game of the night, but the talent on the floor also promises to make it an action packed 32 minutes. Grant is lead by 6’8 junior forward Kelton Samore, who already possesses multiple D1 offers. The talented 2019 trio of Aaron Deloney, Ty Rankin, & 6’6 post Sataivieor Ayiola will also be key for the Generals. For Sprague to punch their ticket to the Elite 8, it will need another monster effort from 6’7 junior forward Teagan Quitoriano. The Pac 12 football recruit has been unstoppable in the valley all season and will need to use his physical strength against Grant. Senior point guard Kaiden Flanigan will also need to be steady against Grant’s pressure defense.
UPSET SPECIAL: Central Catholic (22) at West Salem (6)
It’s unusual to describe a potential Central victory as an “upset”, but that is their lot this year. However, the Rams seem to be peaking at the right time and possess a group of talented and athletic guards. Senior combo guard Amari Hale has been playing at a high level in recent weeks and will be key to a Rams victory. Trying to hold off Central Catholic is the West Salem Titans and their dynamic 2018 guard Kyle Greeley. Greeley is coming off a monster 37 point performance in Tuesday’s victory over Sheldon.
THE MATCH UPS:
Jesuit (16) at Jefferson (1)
Metro League Player of the Year Cam Parker has carried Jesuit all season and will need a heroic effort from him and junior sharp shooter Matt Lang if they hope to pull of the upset. The Democrats who haven’t lost to an in state team all season are lead by 2018 national recruit Kemaka Hepa, 2019 guard Marcus Tshonis, and a host of talented players.
Tigard (12) at Westview (5)
Westview defeated Tigard easily in a preseason tournament, but the Tigers have steadily improved throughout the season. 2019 wing Stevie Schlabach and junior post Austin Dufort lead Tiger which relies on a tempo control offense and aggressive man defense to disrupt opponents. Westview has relied on its talented senior class for a couple of years, especially the dynamic duo of wing Mason Elliott and guard Said Ali, both third year starters.
Southridge (13) at Beaverton (4)
Expect no surprises between these Metro league rivals who split a pair of league match ups this season. The Skyhawks are the biggest team in the state, featuring four players over 6’7 in their rotation. This length gives them ability to mix up zone defenses to keep opponents off balance. Beaverton is lead by do everything senior forward Hunter Sweet who has committed to D2 Concordia and junior sharp shooter Jake Estep. The Beavers were upset last season in their quest to make to the state tournament and are anxious to get back for the first time in over 10 years.
David Douglas (14) at Clackamas (3)
David Douglas is one of the surprises of 6A basketball, reaching the round of 16 after losing a talented senior class in 2016. 2017 guard Demonte Malloy has lead the way for the Scotsmen who are attempting to make it to the final 8 for the first time since 201. Clackamas is viewed as one of the legitimate threats to beat Jefferson in the title game. The Cavs have good size in senior post Matt O’brien and junior forward Dane Agost to along with lightning quick point guard Elijah Gonzales. The 5’8 senior has committed to Portland State and is among the state leaders in points, steals, and assists.
Mcnary (10) at North Medford (7)
If this game stays close to the end, the Celtics from Keizer may have the advantage based on the number of close games they were a part of this season in the very competitive Greater Valley Conference. Coach Ryan Kirch has slowly but surely built the program back to the level it was during the 90’s and 2000s and is looking for his first trip to the final 8 as a head coach. North Medford has been a fairly regular participant in the state tournament and is looking to continue that trend. The Black Tornado are led by athletic junior wing Kaison Faust and 2017 big man Brad Allen.
Lincoln (18) at West Linn (2)
Lincoln enters this game off of a dramatic first round victory where they overcame an 11 point 4th quarter deficit to force overtime and then had a late steal and basket to secure a two point victory. The Cardinals, the 3rd place team out of the PIL are lead by talented 2018 guard Bryce Sloan, an all league performer. Standing between them and their Cinderella story is 4 time state champion West Linn, winners of fourteen straight games. West Linn is long, deep, and has the ability to score in bunches, averaging over 80 points a game on the season.