5A State Tournament: Players to Watch

Ahead of the 5A state tournament in Corvallis, most of the classifications’ top prospects are preparing to make their run at the title. This season’s eight-team field features a deep, talented bunch capable of doing damage at the next level. Here’s a look at the players to look out for this week: [player_tooltip player_id="606246" first="Nathan" last="Bittle"] (2021 Crater) Bittle, a five-star prospect and obvious headliner, boasts the most unique skill set in the state at any level. With a deadly long-range jumper, careful touch inside, and elite feel, the 6-foot-11 unicorn is arguably the nation’s best junior center. Look out for the lanky shot-blocker to put up some monster numbers throughout the tournament, especially in the early rounds. As a result of Bittle’s dominance, the Comets are one of the favorites entering Wednesday. [player_tooltip player_id="535845" first="Brian" last="Goracke"] (2020 Churchill) The 6-foot-5 swingman is our number one senior, and his array of offensive tools make him a clear eye-opener at the 5A level. Churchill’s dynamic offense often revolves around Goracke’s ability to score the basketball, and his athleticism has continued to open things up ahead of Wednesday’s match-up with Crook County. [player_tooltip player_id="535836" first="Dakota" last="Reber"] (2020 Wilsonville) An elite athlete, the 6-foot-6 Reber earned NWOC player-of-the-year honors to lead the talented Wildcats, who look to go back-to-back this week. As a devastating scorer capable of playing above the rim, Reber serves as one of the top players in the tournament. [player_tooltip player_id="604215" first="David" last="Gonzales"] (2020 Silverton) Perhaps a 5A player-of-the-year candidate, Gonzales offers a variety of tools at point guard for the red-hot Foxes, who appear to be among the favorites heading into Wednesday’s quarterfinals. The senior playmaker can shoot from deep, attack off the dribble, and pass his teammates open as one of the state’s top one-guards. [player_tooltip player_id="625635" first="Silas" last="Bennion"] (2020 Churchill) As another elite point man, Bennion may be the top-seeded Lancers’ MVP. The 6-foot senior makes plays on both ends, and his standout ability as both a pace-controlling facilitator and a devastating scorer are integral to the Lancers’ success. [player_tooltip player_id="535841" first="Gabe" last="Reichle"] (2020 Wilsonville) Perhaps the best example of a “combo guard” at the 5A level, the 6-foot-2 Reichle serves as both a primary passer and scorer for the Wildcats. The senior plays with a steady head and offers a great feel for the game, contributing heavily to one of 5A’s top offenses. [player_tooltip player_id="815599" first="Luke" last="Smith"] (2021 Willamette) Smith has proven himself as a complete offensive player this season, scoring at all three levels throughout the year to propel the Wolverines to their second straight state tournament appearance. The junior forward will carry a big load for the Wolverines in each of their games this week. [player_tooltip player_id="625615" first="Kaelan" last="O’Neil"] (2020 Churchill) As one of a few players to have received a D1 offer on this list, O’Neil offers a combination of craftiness and competitiveness to 5A’s most complete roster. The 6-foot-4 senior forward acts as one of many talented players capable of stepping up for the Lancers. [player_tooltip player_id="625662" first="Keegan" last="Shivers"] (2020 Wilsonville) Shivers is arguably the best glue guy on this list, and although his numbers aren’t consistently eye-popping, his impact on the game is. A 6-foot-6 big man, the senior leader makes timely plays and comes up big defensively for the Wildcats. [player_tooltip player_id="855937" first="Isaiah" last="Gilliam"] (2021 South Albany) As the RedHawks’ clear centerpiece, Gilliam is certainly one of the top juniors playing this week. As a gifted athlete, the versatile 6-foot-2 guard tends to make huge plays on both ends to lead the surprise team of 5A, and he will have to continue to do so in order to upset Crater on Wednesday. TJ Zimmerman (2021 West Albany) As a real blue-collar guy, Zimmerman has emerged as the Bulldogs’ star entering the big dance on Wednesday. With a sturdy 6-foot-4 frame and a solid set of offensive tools, the junior paint-protector serves as the fifth-seeded Bulldogs’ primary motor. [player_tooltip player_id="857343" first="Samaje" last="Morgan"] (2022 Churchill) Morgan will enter Wednesday as one of the top sophomores in the state, and his combination of elite ball-handling and quickness make him a devastating third or fourth option for the Lancers. [player_tooltip player_id="855873" first="Kruger" last="Edwards"] (2020 Crater) Edwards is a tremendous complimentary piece to Bittle in the Comets’ frontcourt, boasting standout athleticism and instincts. The 6-foot-6 forward blocks shots at a high rate and gets his fair share of buckets inside to balance Crater’s scoring attack. [player_tooltip player_id="855987" first="Hunter" last="Chubb"] (2021 Crater) A sniper from deep, the 6-foot-2 Chubb adds an integral boost from the perimeter for the Comets, who have repeatedly relied on the junior guard to knock down big shots. [player_tooltip player_id="841402" first="Jayden" last="Vranes"] (2020 Crater) Vranes operates the Comets’ offense at point, and his craftiness at 5-foot-10 definitely stands out. Look out for the senior to creep near double digit assist numbers throughout the week. Caleb Arnold (2020 Crook County) As the Cowboys’ most intriguing prospect, the 6-foot-7 Arnold offers a blend of size and steady finishing around the basket that makes him one to watch this week.