2019-20 5A Preview: Mid-Willamette Conference

<p>Continuing our 5A league previews, we take a quick look at the top teams and players in the Mid-Willamette Conference, which has recently been through a period of dominance courtesy of the Silverton Foxes. Who can shake things up this season? Take a look to find out:</p> <p><u>State Tournament Threats</u></p> <p><strong>Silverton</strong></p> <p>Behind the play of one of the top guards in the state, the Foxes should be the favorites to win the MWC yet again. That guard, senior <b>David Gonzales, </b>has the ability to make his teammates better while essentially scoring at will. Combined with returning contributors <strong>Grant Dunn, Jordan McCarty</strong>, and another strong batch of players moving through the program, Gonzales should be able to tear up conference play and move toward his second straight league player of the year award. If the Foxes can take care of business against some of their upset-hungry foes (see Corvallis last year), they will be looking at another special season.</p> <p><b>Corvallis</b></p> <p>Senior <b>Calvin Cahill </b>will have to step up in a big way this winter if the Spartans would like to challenge Silverton for a second straight season. Last year, the Foxes lone conference loss came at the hands of the Spartans in overtime, which suggests they will remain a top contender in the conference, especially with the return of <b>Jasper Reinalda, </b>a 7-foot-2 menace that will give Silverton’s bigs major issues and possibly contend for player of the year honors. The transfer of first-team all-conference guard Isaac Gabriel definitely hurts, but the Spartans believe that Cahill and the development of Reinalda as an offensive threat will give them a shot at Gill Coliseum in March.</p> <p><b>West Albany</b></p> <p>Similarly to their Southern counterparts, the West Albany Bulldogs bring back the important pieces from last season’s solid team, which finished third in the conference. Junior <b>Luke Killinger, </b>who<b> </b>is one of three returning first team all-conference selections (Gonzales, Reinalda) from the MWC, will be a great first option on offense to pair up with a stout post presence in <b>TJ Zimmerman. </b>If anyone in the conference can bother Reinalda inside, it’s Zimmerman. Additionally, look out for the experience of <b>Koby Ruiz </b>and <b>Austin Stanaway </b>to add depth to a dangerous roster. </p> <p><b>South Albany</b></p> <p>The Red Hawks bring back three starters from a team that finished 17-7 last season, making them a team to keep an eye on. Senior <b>Sam Myers </b>should lead the way coming off a second team all-conference nod alongside junior <b>Isaiah Gilliam,</b> who looks ready to take a big step offsensively. Senior <b>Kenyon McGlothan </b>adds to an experienced lineup. Gilliam will be one of the top returnees in the conference while the Red Hawks field one of the most experienced rosters overall. If South Albany is capable of containing Corvallis’s mismatch nightmare inside, they could slide into a high postseason seed this season.</p> <p><u>League Predictions</u></p> <p>1. Silverton</p> <p>2. Corvallis</p> <p>3. West Albany</p> <p>4. South Albany</p> <p>5. Crescent Valley</p> <p>6. North Salem</p> <p>7. Central</p> <p>8. Lebanon</p> <p>9. Dallas</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Player of the Year</span></p> <p><strong>David Gonzales, Silverton</strong></p> <p>The stud senior guard will be the key to the Foxes success, who appear to be one of 5A's top teams yet again. Although the Mid-Willamette Conference appears to be fairly deep this year, Silverton should still be able to come away with a league championship, and Gonzales' overwhelming involvement should be enough to make him player of the year favorite.</p> <p>All-League Predictions: Gonzales; Luke Killinger, West Albany; Isaiah Gilliam, South Albany; Grant Dunn, Silverton; Jasper Reinalda, Corvallis</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Outlook</span></p> <p>The Mid-Willamette appears to be the second most competitive conference in 5A this season with a clear favorite at the top and at least three teams battling for second place and a trip to Gill Coliseum. There should be some heated matchups between those three, and it will be interesting to see who can give Silverton a run for their money. If the cards fall correctly, the MWC could send as many teams to the postseason as the Midwestern League, making it a league to watch this winter. </p> <p><em>Photo: Amanda Loman/Mid-Valley Media</em></p>