2019-20 6A Preview: Pre-Season Top Ten

It's going to be a very competitive season at the 6A level in 2019-20 with lots of individual talent throughout Oregon's highest classification. Here's a look at our pre-season top ten, the schools we think will have the best shot at making it to the Chiles Center in March.

10. South Salem

The Saxons have a bit of a roster overhaul - including the new head coach Travis Brown - but Trey Galbraith is back to lead a talented group with some big transfers coming in including Kieran Pruitt, Cole Hardy, and Nick Zuro. Chemistry will be key but if it all comes together, South Salem could be a sleeper contender at state.

9. South Eugene

Head coach Dave Hancock returns many veterans from last year's Top Ten team, notably the senior trio of Aiden Clark, Sam Harris, and Josh Paul. The Axe appears to be the class of the Southwest Conference and will look to secure a high ranking so they can host some post-season games instead of having to go on the road.

8. Grant

It's a new era at Grant but head coach Rob Key has not only a number of key returnees but an influx of newcomers that will make the Generals one of the deeper teams in the state. There are plenty of guys that can fill it up from the outside including Erik Fraser, Tai Warner, and Emanual Steward to make up for their lack of size.

7. Sherwood

The Bowmen hope to repeat as Pacific Conference champions and they have the roster to make it happen. OIT signees Jamison Guerra and Blake Jensen will lead the way, and a whole host of shooters will compliment them on the wings. The next step for head coach Rahim Tufts' squad - making it to state.

6. Barlow

The Bruins should be one of the highest scoring teams in 6A and the return of two 20-point per game scorers in Jesse White and Evan Inglesby will certainly help the cause. The Mt. Hood Conference battle will be fierce and Barlow will be right in the title mix as head coach Tom Johnson seeks his first-ever state title.

5. Jesuit

The defending champs lost a lot of firepower but the Crusaders will always be in the mix as long as head coach Gene Potter is at the helm. Matt Levis and Roy Bunn will lead the returners and a number of solid shooters from last year's JV squad will fill in the gaps as Jesuit should contend for another Metro League title.

4. Westview

Head coach Mike Wolf's team was a missed three-pointer from making state last season and this year they are ready to make the leap. Westview may lack a superstar-type guy but the roster is filled with solid players such as Jalen Grable, Brady Grier, Wayne Jamison, and London Smalley all ready to step into larger roles in 2019-20 as the Wildcats not only are chasing a Metro League title but a deep run in the post-season.

3. West Linn

Championship winning coach Eric Viuhkola didn't come back to West Linn to take on a rebuilding project as the Lions are loaded with enough talent to win the TRL and beyond. Micah Garrett should lead the way for a deep roster that includes some young studs such as sophomore Mason VanBeenen and freshman Jackson Shelstad. Bryson Crockett will also be coming back off of injury for West Linn which should be a title contender.

2. Central Catholic

The Rams are deep, talented, and experienced - is this the year it all comes together for head coach David Blue? There are certainly plenty of offensive weapons on the perimeter with Darius Gakwasi, Isaiah Amato, and DeRay Seamster and size in Gaige Ainslie and Luke Johnson. Central Catholic made it to the Chiles Center last year; their goal this season is to win it all.

1. Jefferson

Once again, there is no team bigger or more talented than the Demos. Head coach Pat Strickland has two of the best big men in the state at his disposal in Nate Rawlins-Kibonge and Kam Robinson, and newcomers such as tranfer Keshawn Hall and superstar freshman Marquis "Mookie" Cook add plenty of firepower. The title game losses the past two years still sting for Jefferson and the extra motivation to make up for that are why the Demos are our pick to cut down the nets at the Chiles Center in March.