4A State Playoff Round of 16 Preview
We take a look at the class 4A round of sixteen playoff games, which will determine the final 8 teams that advance on to Forest Grove next week.
#16 Madras (13-11) vs #1 Banks (22-2)
The White Buffalo and their frenetic up and down “Loyola” style of play travel west to take on top ranked Banks. Madras has had mixed success this season with their new style of play, but did capitalize on a hot shooting night to defeat Tillamook in last week’s play in game. Their opponent is a big & physical Banks team that won the Cowapa League. The Braves are lead by 6’7 senior wing Dalton Renne and 6’7 junior post Blake Markham, both are capable of scoring from multiple spots on the floor and use their length to create havoc for opponents on the defensive end of the floor.
Prep Hoops Prediction: Madras style of play, lends itself to high scoring, sometimes lopsided margins. Expect this one to get ugly, Banks is just too good for Madras to keep up with.
#9 Henley (19-5) vs #8 Sisters (16-8)
The Hornets from Klamath Falls are looking for a repeat trip to the final 8. Sisters, winners of the Sky Em league, look to 6’8 senior Ty Horner, a highly skilled post player to lead them. Henley defeated Sisters 45-40 on the Outlaws home court in December.
Prep Hoops Prediction: Home court advantage and the play of Horner should be enough for Sisters to escape with a narrow victory.
#12 Cascade (14-10) vs #5 Valley Catholic (19-6)
What would normally be Cascade’s advantage, their size, will be negated by Valley’s equally tall roster featuring seniors Andrew Palmbeck and Jack Grasberger, both over 6’5. The Valiants emerged as the 3rd team from the best league in the state and expect them to wear down the Cougars with their zone defense and patient half court offense. Valley also has the confidence from a 27 point pre season victory.
Prep Hoops Prediction: Valley Catholic in a route.
#13 Stayton (13-12) vs #4 Lagrande (16-7)
The Eagles make the long trek east hoping that 6’8 junior post Kaleb Anundi & 6’7 junior post Riley Nichol can control the game in the paint. Lagrande the champs of the Greater Oregon League are a bit of an unknown to teams on the west side of the state, which always makes predictions a challenge.
Prep Hoops Prediction: Home court and a long travel scenario should be enough for Lagrande to advance to Forest Grove.
#14 Baker (12-13) vs #3 Marshfield (18-6)
The Bulldogs make the longest trip of any team in the final 16 and have the 3rd ranked Pirates waiting for them. Marshfield has been consistent all season as a physical post oriented team that controls the glass.
Prep Hoops Prediction: Marshfield in a route.
#11 Sutherlin (17-8) vs #6 Newport (16-8)
Sutherlin the 2nd place team in the Sky Em match up with the Cubs, the champions of the Oregon West Leage. Newport is lead by 6’2 wing Kye Blaser, the league MVP and talented scorer that is garnering college interest.
Prep Hoops Prediction: Newport pulls away late to win a game that’s close well in to the 4th quarter.
#10 Philomath (15-8) vs #7 Mazama (16-6)
The Warriors who feature a balanced roster are looking to make their annual rite of passage back to the final 8, where they have 2 of the past 4 state titles. The travel to Klamath Falls to take on an athletic Mazama squad that won the Skyline League.
Prep Hoops Prediction: Philomath has been marked by inconsistent effort this season, but we expect coach Blake Ecker to motivate the troops as they pull off the road upset.
#15 Gladstone (11-13) vs #2 Seaside (19-5)
The Gladiators from southeast Portland head to the coast to take on the defending state champion Seagulls. Gladstone who struggled through a tough preseason schedule to win the Tri Valley League are lead by senior point guard Lyric Warren. Seaside returns two starters off of last year’s title team in junior wings Chase Januik and Peyton Westerholm.
Prep Hoops Prediction: An improving Gladstone squad should hang around for a while, but we expect Seaside to pull away late for a comfortable 15 point victory.