2024-25 6A Preview – Pre-Season Top Ten

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 2024-25 boys basketball season is upon us and there's no question that it is going to be extremely competitive at the 6A level. After watching guys play in the summer and fall and attending a number of open gyms and practices to get a closer look at everyone, here's our pre-season top ten.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list {"ordered":true,"start":10} --> <ol start="10" class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Sherwood</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ol> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We've said this for a few years now, but this could very well be the year the Bowmen get over the proverbial hump and make it to the state tournament. A huge reason why is because head coach Rahim Tufts has once again what could be the tallest starting lineup in the state. The Bowmen already have great length and versatility with senior [player_tooltip player_id='1910898' first='Connor' last='Parry'] and junior [player_tooltip player_id='1606063' first='Brody' last='Rygh'], and both have added strength their frames to make them even more dangerous. Big man [player_tooltip player_id='1910907' first='Ben' last='Everhart'] has improved with his game and the addition of McMinnville transfer [player_tooltip player_id='1910895' first='Walt' last='Rosenberg'] gives Sherwood even more size and strength in the post. They key may be in the team's guard play as senior Brady Hix and sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='2132836' first='Avery' last='Johnson'] will be counted on to stabilize the offense. Coming out of a league with a poor power rating as the Pacific - even if they go undefeated in conference play - the key for Sherwood may be their post-season draw.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list {"ordered":true,"start":9} --> <ol start="9" class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Southridge</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ol> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Defending Metro League champs Southridge will be in the mix once again and despite the fact they graduate a pair of 1000 career point scorers, there's still plenty of talent back to make another run at the league title and a state tournament appearance under head coach Phil Vesel. Seniors [player_tooltip player_id='1379047' first='Keenan' last='Reckamp'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1496193' first='Alonzo' last='Hoff'] have been through the wars and are back bigger and stronger, as are sharpshooting guards junior [player_tooltip player_id='1607597' first='Drew' last='Groenig'] and sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='2026058' first='Elijah' last='Thompson']. Add in rising sophomores [player_tooltip player_id='2026514' first='Nikko' last='Kalish'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2026515' first='Brooks' last='Fortune'] and when the Skyhawks are hitting from the outside, watch out.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list {"ordered":true,"start":8} --> <ol start="8" class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Oregon City</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ol> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the more impressive teams in the summer was the Pioneers, who have the combination of size and skill that should make them a factor in the Three Rivers League race. Head coach Aaron Newkirk brings back and in some talented players that will make Oregon City a tough team to defend. Leading the way is [player_tooltip player_id='1450157' first='Gylan' last='Payne'], one of the most all-around players in the state with his ability to score at multiple levels, pass, rebound, and defend. He could be the favorite for TRL POY honors. He'll have plenty of assistance, with a deep junior class that includes [player_tooltip player_id='2054373' first='Alijah' last='Scott'], [player_tooltip player_id='2560868' first='Madden' last='Sendek'], and [player_tooltip player_id='2469346' first='Connor' last='Lemmon'] when he's back in action after recovering from injury. Scott's younger brother, transfer [player_tooltip player_id='2026063' first='Alarion' last='Scott'] will add a dimenson of length and athleticism down low that's not often seen from the Pioneers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list {"ordered":true,"start":7} --> <ol start="7" class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Roosevelt</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ol> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It's hard to believe a team could lose a senior guard trio as talented as Roosevelt had last year and still be considered a top ten team, but that's what head coach Jamarr Lawson has this year. It's a combination of talented returning players and promising newcomers that have the Roughriders a PIL title and 6A state tournament contender. Do-it-all [player_tooltip player_id='1368227' first='Owen' last='Nathan'] is set to have a huge senior season and he's the type of players that could just as easily defer to Jefferson transfer [player_tooltip player_id='1582927' first='Adrian' last='Montague'] or junior [player_tooltip player_id='2245263' first='Syrius' last='Owens'], who may be as potential-laden as anyone in the Portland Metro area. Transfers JeMel Baker and [player_tooltip player_id='1602195' first='Lucas' last='Moreira'] add legth and athleticism to the mix and 6-foot-10 [player_tooltip player_id='1919365' first='Matthew' last='Beatty'] appears ready to make the leap into key contributor as a senior. Chemistry will be critical as the Roughriders will have to navigate a tough non-league schedule before getting into PIL play.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list {"ordered":true,"start":6} --> <ol start="6" class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Jesuit</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ol> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jesuit erased a drought by making it the Chiles Center last year, but leaving without a win will keep head coach Gene Potter's squad hungry. It all starts with returning senior [player_tooltip player_id='1643228' first='Patrick' last='Kilfoil'], whose killer instinct will be intensified even more with a Metro League title and another state tournament appearance on the line. High-riser [player_tooltip player_id='2026054' first='Isaac' last='Bongen'] is back with a year of experience under his belt and he could prove to be a matchup nightmare for opponents. There's plenty of additional shooting with the likes of the Ryans, junior [player_tooltip player_id='1585574' first='Ryan' last='Barone'] and senior Ryan Freaser, and watch out for sophomore guards [player_tooltip player_id='1961798' first='Major' last='Williams'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2047153' first='Penny' last='Harrison'], who will create havoc with their speed and quickness. With the increased athleticism, don't be surprised if you see Jesuit go back at times to the pressing style that caused all sorts of problems for opponents in the 2000s.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list {"ordered":true,"start":5} --> <ol start="5" class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Westview</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ol> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>After a couple of down years, the Wildcats returned to the post-season and it appears that head coach Mike Wolf's team is set to take the next step and become the hunted instead of the hunters. The reason why - a skilled and experienced group of seniors that has many games of playing together going back to youth basketball. The guardplay is good as [player_tooltip player_id='1370665' first='Kai' last='Russell'] mans the point alongside fellow seniors [player_tooltip player_id='1624507' first='Jacob' last='Epstein'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2051003' first='Lucas' last='D'Haem'], and the addition of Liberty transfer [player_tooltip player_id='1910894' first='James' last='Kefgen'] - who recently committed to OIT - gives Westview perhaps the deepest group of guards west of 217. There's size down low with 6-foot-6 [player_tooltip player_id='2348774' first='Peyton' last='Read'], athleticism on the wing in junior [player_tooltip player_id='2021519' first='Dayton' last='Jenkins'], but it may very well be someone who sat out last season due to injury - [player_tooltip player_id='1368243' first='Jason' last='Grady'] - who ends up being the team's leading scorer and rebounder for what very well could be the Metro League favorite in 2024-25.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list {"ordered":true,"start":4} --> <ol start="4" class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Grant</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ol> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Perhaps a Cinderella making it to last year's state tournament, this year the Generals should be seen as one of the favorites. Head coach Sean Brownhill brings back a group that's a great combination of talent across all four classes - yes, including the freshmen. Seniors [player_tooltip player_id='1624504' first='Quincy' last='Scott'], [player_tooltip player_id='2458230' first='Zhalei' last='Van'], and [player_tooltip player_id='1910906' first='Mekhi' last='Muhammad'] will lead the way, while junior Keion James and sophomores [player_tooltip player_id='2026486' first='Keone' last='Gates'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2026056' first='Varryk' last='Hardges'] add firepower in the backcourt. Watch out for freshmen [player_tooltip player_id='2427519' first='Jacob' last='Harper-Grant'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2427509' first='Malik' last='Mason'], both of whom come into high school with decorated resumes, as Grant's depth may be the edge they have to capture the PIL title this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list {"ordered":true,"start":3} --> <ol start="3" class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Tualatin</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ol> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The championship run stopped in 2024, but the Timberwolves have a squad back that could legitimately threaten for the state title again - and that's even losing the state player of the year in Jaden Steppe. Head coach Bubba Lemon brings enough back and adds a number of transfers to the mix that make them one of the most talented squads in all of 6A. [player_tooltip player_id='1582973' first='Jemai' last='Lake'] made a huge jump as a sophomore and is ready for even bigger things as a junior and he'll be switching off at the point with [player_tooltip player_id='2132800' first='Pat' last='Vialva Jr'], who comes over from West Linn. [player_tooltip player_id='2348784' first='Diogo' last='Alves'] provides shooting on the wing, [player_tooltip player_id='2342862' first='Javier' last='Diaz'] is set to be a force in the post, and star football quarterback for the Timberwolves, who appear to the favorites in the Three Rivers league.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list {"ordered":true,"start":2} --> <ol start="2" class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Barlow</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ol> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The current all-time leader in wins in the entire state - at all classifications, not just 6A - Bruins head coach Tom Johnson just needs a state title for his coaching resume and this year's squad may give him the best chance to grab that elusive championship. It all starts with what may be the senior trio of Portland State signee [player_tooltip player_id='1387877' first='Brayden' last='Barron'], [player_tooltip player_id='1276625' first='Jalen' last='Atkins'], and [player_tooltip player_id='1368245' first='Mason' last='Bierbrauer']. You'd be hard pressed to find a better trio in the state, especially on the offensive end. But what makes Barlow so tough are the supporting pieces that surround the stars and look for guys like senior [player_tooltip player_id='1611707' first='Blake' last='Hills'] and juniors [player_tooltip player_id='2026890' first='Maddyn' last='Cummings'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1978342' first='Maddox' last='Young'] to settle into key roles. As usual with their uptempo style of play, the Bruins will be one of the most fun teams to watch in 2024-25.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list {"ordered":true} --> <ol class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Central Catholic</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ol> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>If you thought Central Catholic was due for a step down after winning a 6A title, you'd better think twice because once again, the talent at Central Catholic is obvious. The Rams are the only school in the state that feature two early D-I signees in [player_tooltip player_id='1276626' first='Isaac' last='Carr'] (Wake Forest) and [player_tooltip player_id='1368247' first='Duce' last='Paschal'] (Weber State) - a feat that hasn't been accomplished by any school in Oregon since 2011. The two are potential All-State honorees and they aren't alone. Junior Bam Paschal - also a D-I recruit - is a triple-double threat every time he steps on the floor and other young guys such as [player_tooltip player_id='1585573' first='Jalen' last='Nicholson'], [player_tooltip player_id='1787372' first='Ryder' last='Zanon'], and [player_tooltip player_id='2411676' first='Donovan' last='Miller'] are ready to step into bigger roles. No longer is there any talk about how the Rams can't win it all and with that proverbial monkey off their back, head coach David Blue has a squad that has size, athleticism, and skill - making them the favorite to repeat as state champs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->