2019-20 5A Preview: Preseason Top Ten

<p>Many of the top 5A teams in the state have hopes of a state championship this winter, with solid talent across Oregon's second highest classification. The teams we think will be battling for a trip to Gill Coliseum will find themselves on this list, representing the top contenders for a state title. Take a look:</p> <p><strong>10. Pendleton</strong></p> <p>Thanks to deep range deadeye <strong>Dakota Sams</strong> and crafty ball handler <strong>Kason Broncheau</strong>, the Buckaroos should be in good position to win their second straight Intermountain Conference Championship, which is good enough to sneak into the top ten without last year's stud in Tyler Newsom. </p> <p><strong>9. Springfield</strong></p> <p>Transfer guard <strong>Trey Bryant </strong>will lead the Millers to some solid wins in the toughest conference in 5A, and perhaps some close results against the likes of Churchill and Crater. Assuming Bryant, fellow experienced guard <strong>Zach Sorber, </strong>and company take care of business against their weaker conference foes, they will be staring the state tournament in the face. </p> <p><strong>8. Corvallis</strong></p> <p>The 7-foot-2 <strong>Jasper Reinalda </strong>is one of the top rim protectors in the state, and his sheer size makes him a solid offensive threat as he approaches his senior season. <strong>Calvin Cahill </strong>offers some offensive balance with decent shooting, which makes the Spartans contenders in the Mid-Willamette Conference.</p> <p><strong>7. Willamette</strong></p> <p>Alongside crafty junior forward <strong>Luke Smith</strong>, transfer guard <strong>Ejim Akuma</strong> should make a difference on both ends of the floor for the Wolverines this season, who should find themselves near the top of the Midwestern League. <strong>Alex Puckett </strong>is an experienced player with starts in each of the past two seasons, adding scoring and defensive prowess to the solid program's 2019-20 lineup.</p> <p><strong>6. North Eugene</strong></p> <p>The Highlanders have a solid bunch of experienced guards to go alongside their star <strong>Cameron Parks</strong>, who can take North Eugene as far as the Gill Coliseum. Look out for <strong>Brennan DeGarmo, Iry Rankin, </strong>and <strong>Garrett Pratt</strong> to take big steps up as North Eugene does as a whole.</p> <p><strong>5. Parkrose</strong></p> <p>The Broncos will be the biggest threat to Wilsonville in the Northwest Oregon Conference, and behind <strong>Demontae</strong> <strong>Burns</strong>, they can also threaten a final four this winter.</p> <p><strong>4. Silverton</strong></p> <p>The Foxes remain a deep program with plenty of talent, with senior guard <strong>David Gonzalez </strong>acting as the leader. The shifty point guard will be accompanied by deep ball threat <strong>Grant Dunn,</strong> upcoming talent <strong>Jordan MCarty, </strong>and another solid group of role-playing hoopers. </p> <p><strong>3. Crater</strong></p> <p>Consensus five-star recruit <strong>Nate Bittle </strong>will take the Comets as far as he can with a complete skillset that is capable of dominating on both ends of the floor. <strong>Hunter Chubb</strong> and <strong>Jayden Vranes</strong> should round out a top offense as one of the best backcourts in 5A, making the Comets legitimate title threats.</p> <p><strong>2. Wilsonville</strong></p> <p>With a stacked lineup returning, the Wildcats will once again be one of the favorites heading into the 2019-20 season. <strong>Dakota Reber, Gabe Reichle, </strong>and <strong>Keegan Shivers</strong> were all starters for last year's state championship team, and each should continue to dominate as the Wildcats look to go back to back.</p> <p><strong>1. Churchill</strong></p> <p>The Lancers return the most talent in 5A by quite a margin, making them the championship favorites in our mind. Led by the number one player in our class of 2020 rankings <strong>Brian Goracke</strong>, Churchill should be able to dominate the MWL once again. <strong>Silas Bennion,</strong> <strong>Kaelan O'Neil, Isaiah Wallace, </strong>and sophomore stud<strong> Samaje Morgan </strong>complete the most balanced scoring attack in the state of Oregon. </p>