Les Schwab Invitational Preview: Part Two
This week, Liberty High School plays host to some of the best high school basketball teams across the country as the 26th annual Les Schwab Invitational (LSI) gets underway. Starting Monday afternoon, four out-of-state teams and twelve Oregonian teams will…
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Continue ReadingThis week, Liberty High School plays host to some of the best high school basketball teams across the country as the 26th annual Les Schwab Invitational (LSI) gets underway. Starting Monday afternoon, four out-of-state teams and twelve Oregonian teams will duke it out for one of the premier holiday basketball titles in the nation, and today we’ll preview the action.
Typically speaking, the Les Schwab Invitational is a recipe for some awesome matchups, both inter and intra-state. This year will be no different, as three perennial national powers provide an opportunity for Oregonian teams to measure how they stack up on the national scene. Conversely, the traveling out-of-state teams will get a sniff of the consistency and capability of local basketball in Oregon.
There’s a lot to discuss, so let’s get into it:
Day Two Games to Watch:
Beaverton vs. Redmond (WA)
While the Beavers were set to take on Brophy College Preparatory in the opening round, they still get an opportunity to knock off an out-of-state opponent as Redmond, a 4A school from Washington, fills in. As one of the deepest teams in Oregon, the Beavers go from underdogs to favorites in the first round as Brophy was ultimately unable to attend.
Jesuit vs. Sierra Canyon (CA)
Tuesday’s nightcap pits arguably the most storied athletics program in Oregon history against arguably the most notorious high school basketball team in America this season. An upset for the Crusaders is quite unlikely, but not impossible, as Gene Potter’s group never shies away from any matchup. The lights will be shining extra bright as Sierra Canyon’s Bronny James, Bryce James, Justin Pippen, Ashton Hardaway, and Isaiah Elohim take the floor in Hillsboro for the first time.
Day Two Picks:
Duncanville (TX) 89, Cleveland 61
Beaverton 63, Redmond (WA) 48
Bishop Gorman (NV) 95, Grant 58
Sierra Canyon (CA) 78, Jesuit 64
Three Bold Predictions:
Two Oregon Teams Make the Semifinals
While the LSI consistently plays host to the best teams in Oregon, its semifinals are always filled with national powers. I predict this year will be different, as multiple local schools possess the size and depth to compete with even the best teams in the country. One semifinal spot is guaranteed to go to an Oregonian team, as the winner of West Linn and Tualatin will advance. From there, I think either Beaverton, Lincoln, or Central Catholic pulls off an upset over one of the tournament favorites to join them in the semis.
Winters Grady Winters Grady 6'7" | SF Prolific Prep | 2025 #118 Nation CA-N Leads the Tournament in Scoring
Grady has been one of the most prolific offensive players across the state so far this season, and I predict much of the same this week. The stud sophomore scored 21 points in an opening round loss to Central Catholic yesterday, but he shot the ball somewhat poorly as the Rams keyed on him. In order for the Lakers to win games, Grady needs to continue to find his shots, and I predict they’ll start to fall at a higher rate as he maneuvers through the consolation bracket.
Duncanville (TX) Wins it All
This prediction isn’t quite as bold, as Duncanville is the top seeded team in the field. Still, I think predicting the champion of a big, talented tournament such as the LSI is quite difficult. There’s three obvious favorites, and a host of upset-hungry teams, but I ultimately think Duncanville prevails with its four power-five level players. The Panthers are already 12-0 entering the LSI, making them thoroughly broken-in compared to other squads that have only played a handful of games.