Metro League: League Update

Conference play begins in the Metro League on Tuesday night and the race for the title is absolutely going to be a tight one. At least five teams are on pace to make the post-season based on the current rankings and as always, every night in the league will be a battle. Here's a look at how each of the teams have fared in 2019-20 thus far. Mountainside (11-1) - OSAA #3 Surprise, surprise, look who's currently on top of the rankings from the Metro League - it's the Mavericks who may only be in their second year of varsity ball but they've already made their mark. Critics will knock their schedule but other than a loss to Metro League rival Aloha, Mountainside has met the challenge of every opponent and then some as they enter conference action riding a seven game winning streak. The Mavs are deep and while Bennett Giebels leads the squad in scoring, they've gotten contributions from most all their players one through eight, notably seniors Grayson Rowell from the outside, Andrew Ingalls from the inside, and Connor McClean in-between. We will get a sense of just how much a challenger to the league title head coach Dustin Hewitt's team is as they immediately play at Beaverton and against Jesuit and Westview at home. Jesuit (9-3) - OSAA #5 While seeing a name like Mountainside at or near the top is a surprise, seeing Jesuit up there is certainly not. There was sure to be a drop-off after the Crusaders graduated most of their top guys from last year's 6A title team but it seems like it's another case of next man up for this season's group. Holdovers such as Matthew Levis and Roy Bunn have certainly stepped up with their games but newcomers, especially in the case of James Lang and Liam Ruttledge, have really made an impact. In fact, Lang and Ruttledge currently rank as the team's top two scorers. Head coach Gene Potter has another squad that has bought into his system and even though Jesuit does lack size, their levels of preparation and execution on both ends will always make them a threat in every game they play. Westview (7-5) - OSAA #9 Our pre-season pick for Metro League champs has taken some bumps and bruises, especially of late against the Three Rivers League in losses to Tigard and West Linn. So while the Wildcats have beaten the teams on the schedule they were supposed to beat and won against some teams from Southern California in the Damien Classic, they are still a bit of an unknown. Senior Wayne Jamison has stepped up as the main scoring threat and talented juniors Brady Grier and Jalen Grable have elevated their play from last season. London Smalley remains at the point but his handling pressure can and will need to improve. Things won't be easy as head coach Mike Wolf's squad faces Jefferson on MLK before hitting the meat of league play. Beaverton (10-2) - OSAA #11 Some would argue it's the same 'ol Beaverton but what you can't argue is with the results as the Beavers are consistently winning ball games - and of course doing it in their physical style. More often than not, head coach Andrew Vancil's group is utilizing their size advantage inside as junior Dane Erikstrup has emerged as a force in the paint and senior John Oleson has meshed in well alongside him. The Beavers also have a number of multi-sport standouts headlined by Trent Walker who bring athleticism and strength to the table on both ends of the floor. Beaverton has been road warriors so far this year and that bodes well historically in Metro League success. Aloha (9-3) - OSAA #18 Aloha put together an outstanding pre-league performance and if it were not for a couple of puzzling losses against Madison and Century, would be looking at only a single loss and a top ten ranking. Head coach David Saultz has a squad that competes hard and utilizes its strengths when it comes to athleticism and energy. Offensively, Caleb Turner has been a microwave-type scorer whose bursts of points can often turn around the momentum of the game in a hurry. Timmy Dennis and Anthony Gayhart have been consistent contributors on a nightly basis as well. In some senses the jury is still out whether or not this group of Warriors can really compete for a league title but we'll know right away as they Sunset (6-6) - OSAA #22 If you were to grade the Apollos at this point the mark would be an Incomplete as Sunset hasn't played with a full deck. Senior Colby King has been out due to injury but he's expected to be back for the start of conference play and there's no question his presence will be welcomed. Guards Braeden Sato and Kell Estep have done the heavy lifting from the perimeter and senior Reece Arenz has also posted some big games. King's return will also alleviate the pressure inside put on junior Tate Reese who continues to emerge as a player. Head coach Todd Sherwood has a solid group and it wouldn't be a surprise to see their record improve in league play. Southridge (0-12) - OSAA #49 Forget the record and the rating - this Skyhawks team is much better than any records indicate. A few breaks here and there in a couple of games and Southridge would have a few wins under their belt. Jha-Barrie Portis and Brett Hanna are experienced scorers in Metro League play and Ams Juwara has also been through the battles. The trouble is the Skyhawks play in arguably the toughest conference in the state and there will be rough nights. But don't be surprised if Southridge pulls off an upset or two as this team is way better than registering a bagel in the win column this season.