5A Playoffs: First Round Predictions (Part Two)
The 5A postseason is upon us, and 16 teams across the state are preparing to fight for a trip to Gill Coliseum in Corvallis. Headlining the field is a combination of established powerhouses and eager newcomers, both of whom have…
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Continue ReadingThe 5A postseason is upon us, and 16 teams across the state are preparing to fight for a trip to Gill Coliseum in Corvallis. Headlining the field is a combination of established powerhouses and eager newcomers, both of whom have their sights set on a state championship.
Here’s part two of our first round predictions:
#14 La Salle @ #3 Crater
Having to shake off a long drive, the Falcons will struggle to find their offensive rhythm as Nate Bittle has a monster night for the dangerous Comets. The shooting of Hunter Chubb Hunter Chubb 6'2" | CG Crater | 2021 State OR will provide an early spark as Crater races past Nic Boyd Nic Boyd 6'0" | PG La Salle Prep | 2021 State OR and La Salle. Prediction: Crater, 71-43
#11 Parkrose @ #6 South Albany
Behind the offensive skill set of Damontae Burns Damontae Burns 6'1" | CG Parkrose | 2021 State OR , the Broncos will lead for most of this game, but a strong home crowd will push the Red Hawks to a late comeback. Expect junior forward Isaiah Gilliam Isaiah Gilliam 6'2" | CG South Albany | 2021 State OR to duel with Burns all night and fuel the South Albany offense. Nonetheless, Brian Bilbrew and the Broncos’ solid depth will hold off the Red Hawks’ second-tier players down the stretch, and Parkrose will pull off a thrilling victory. Prediction: Parkrose, 67-64
#10 Pendleton @ #7 Willamette
Luke Smith Luke Smith 6'3" | CG Willamette | 2021 State OR and the talented Wolverines will come out confidently on their home court and lead early. Expect senior point guard Joe Brown to play a big role guarding Buckaroo sniper Dakota Sams Dakota Sams 6'2" | SG Nixya'awii | 2021 State OR , while Ejim Akuma Ejim Akuma 5'10" | CG Willamette | 2020 State OR and Elisha Thompson exploit mismatches on the offensive end to pull away. The Buckaroos should spend the second half clawing back, but Will-Hi’s talent and experience will hold them off down the stretch. Prediction: Willamette, 71-56
#15 Redmond @ #2 Silverton
The Silver Foxes will come out shooting and never look back, riding MWC player-of-the-year David Gonzales David Gonzales 5'11" | PG Silverton | 2020 State OR to a blowout victory. As the third-place finisher in the IMC, Redmond will simply be outmatched at every position. The Panthers had a great season, but Silverton’s abundance of solid role players will prove far too much to handle. Prediction: Silverton, 86-50