Players to watch in the Mid-Willamette League (5A)

<p>Today we take a look at some of the top names in the Mid-Willamette League 5A division. With the shortened season in Oregon this year, these names will look to get their teams off to a quick start.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="965080" first="TJ" last="Zimmerman"] (2021 West Albany) - Coming off a first-team League selection last season, this big man will be one of the top contenders for League player of the year in the 2021 season. He was one of the top-scoring players in 5A with a strong defensive foundation, averaging eight boards a game. This 6’4 senior will look to lead the Bulldogs to a Mid-Willamette league title.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="855978" first="Luke" last="Killinger"] (2021 West Albany) - The athletic 6’2 combo guard was a force at the defensive end last year for West Albany. His defensive ability was one of the main reasons he was selected first-team all-conference a year ago. Looking ahead to this season, Killinger will look to add more perimeter scoring to pair with the Bulldogs’ low post presence.</p> <p>Justin Henderson (2021 West Albany) - The 6’5 teammate of Zimmerman and Killinger was a leader in the 5A division for rebounding with just over seven a game. Henderson also has an easy knack for finishing around the rim. Earning league Honorable mention in last season he will be another driving force for the Bulldogs this season as they look to grab a title.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="855937" first="Isaiah" last="Gilliam"] (2021 South Albany) - This crosstown rival will look too sour the hopes of the Bulldogs’ title chase. With earning a first-team conference selection and being one of the top scorers in the 5A division with over 17 PPG, the 6’1 facilitator point guard will try to build on a great junior season providing exciting plays and giving the Redhawk fans something to look forward to this upcoming season.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="857351" first="Jordan" last="McCarty"] (2022 Silverton) - McCarty was one of two sophomores to reach the 2nd team all-conference during the 2019-20 season. The 6’ sharpshooter is looking to lead Silverton back to the top of the division after losing five seniors heading into the 2021 season. The Foxes will rely on McCarty’s ability behind the 3 point line paired with his passing prowess.</p> <p>Ashton Foster (2022 Dallas) - The 5’11 wing was one of two sophomores for the Dallas Dragons varsity team last year. Providing a great ability to rebound and push the ball up the court. Foster will look to build on his second-team all-conference selection in 2019-20 and push the Dragons up in the league standings this next season.</p>