2A Sweet 16 Preview

With state tournament berths on the line this week for Oregon's three smallest levels, we take a shot at predicting the Class 2A Round of 16. #1 Columbia Christian (25-2) vs #16 Union (16-8) The Knights from southeast Portland begin their quest for a second state title when they host the Bobcats from Union (near Lagrande). Union earned the automatic berth by placing 2nd in the Blue Mountain League, while Columbia played under the watch of local media and big time college coaches most of the season. The reason for the interest? Super skilled sophomore forward Ben Gregg. The 6'9 Gregg led the Knights in most major categories and also helped them to a 2-2 record at the prestigious Les Schwab Invitational. Prediction: Union likely hasn't seen a team as talented all year & combined with the long road trip, we predict an run away victory for Columbia.   #8 Heppner (18-7) vs #9 Kennedy (19-7) What appears to be closely seeded on paper in reality is #7 vs #14, as Heppner gets the home game despite being the lower seed due to an OSAA rule saying that league champions get a home playoff game. Kennedy which finished 2nd in the uber tough Tri River Conference & are lead by 6'6 post Rocco Carley, a physical player who recently accepted a preffered walk on spot with Oregon State football. Kennedy entered the season as a favorite to compete for the state title, but had to lower expectations a little with the season ending loss of all state wing Emorej Lynk in the state title football game. Prediction: Home court & the long road trip for Kennedy certainly work in Heppner's favor, but we believe that Kennedy's experience (semi finals last year) & grueling schedule have them better prepared for tough games. We like the Trojans in a close one.   #5 Knappa (19-8) vs #12 Coquille (17-8) The two teams enter with similar records and second place league finishes. Knappa has been a regular at the 2A state tournament and are lead by first year head coach Paul Isom, the point guard on their 2009 state title team. The Loggers feature talented senior Timber Engblom, a 6'1 guard who has been attracting interest from NWAC programs. The Red Devils will make the long trip from Coos Bay as they look to qualify for the state tournament for the first time at the 2A level. Prediction: Knappa's home court is as tough a place to win at as anywhere in the state. Couple that with a team boasting playoff experience and hardened by a tough regular season schedule & we like the Loggers to pull away late in a competitive match up.   #4 Oakland (24-2) vs #13 Illinois Valley (15-10) Another match up of two regular season league champions features the Oakers, a perennial 2A power hosting the upstart Cougars from Grants Pass who have had a break through season. I.V. is lead by a trio of talented seniors in Caleb Hess, Bryce Bruner, & Tyi Brummett who are looking for the first playoff win in over 10 season. Oakland coached by long time head man Jeff Clark and feature a balanced attack lead by 6'3 junior wing Colton Brownson. Prediction: Although neither team features a lot of match ups against the states' top ranked teams, we anticipate Oakland to pull away in the 2nd half for a comfortable victory. The playoff experience & home court will be too much for the Cougars to over come.   #3 Toledo (24-1) vs #14 Central Linn (17-9) The Boomers enter the round of sixteen with a late January loss to Dayton as the only blemish on their record. They host the Cobras from Halsey who finished behind Oakland in the Central Valley Conference. Toledo features high scoring junior wing Conner Marchant who averaged nearly 30 points a game. Complementing him is 6'6 sophomore post Jaxon Rozewski, a skilled big man who can score, rebound, & defend the basket. Prediction: We expect this one to be over early, as the full court pressure and fast paced offense for Toledo should overwhelm Central Linn. Expect the Boomers to punch their ticket to Pendleton where they expect to compete for a state title.   #6 Santiam (21-7) vs #11 Butte Falls (18-4) The Wolverines from Mill City have established themselves as a regular state tournament contender including winning the 2017 state title. Meanwhile the Loggers from Butte Falls have made a splash in their first season at the 2A level. They are lead by head coach Bryan Wood who had a successful run as the head coach at Brookings Harbor including a state title in the mid 2000s. Prediction: The experience level & competitive schedule that Santiam has faced should have them more than prepared to defend home court against Butte Falls.   #7 Lost River (17-8) vs #10 Sheridan (18-7) Sheridan in their first year at the 2A level is looking to make it to the state tournament since the Spartan teams that were lead by Tre Hale an eventual D1 player. The Spartans who emerged from a loaded Tri River Conference are lead by senior wing Chris Savoldi, a physical player who can score in a variety of ways. Lost River won a league playoff to earn the #1 seed and guaranteed home game look to make the trip to Pendleton for the first time in several years. Prediction: The Tri River Conference has established itself as the deepest league in 2A this season. Sheridan has a long road trip and limited playoff experience, but we believe that they their league schedule has them battle tested and prepared to pull out a narrow victory to ensure that half of the final 8 will come from the same league.   #2 Western Christian (25-1) vs #15 Jefferson (14-9) Western has been on a mission since losing to Columbia Christian in last year's state title game & behind the play of 6'4 junior wing Payton Richardson & 5'11 senior guard Keaton Hull the Pioneers appear poised to play the Knights again for the blue trophy. The Lions from Jefferson enter with a solid record and 3rd place league finish in their first year at the 2A level. Prediction: Western Christian and their explosive fast paced offense should put the game away early as they make their seemingly annual visit to Pendleton.