2024-25 5A Preview: Northwest Oregon Conference

The 2024-25 season is upon us and PrepHoops Oregon has you covered. We're doing pre-season previews for all of the 5A leagues across the state, giving you some insight into the teams and players you should be watching this year, courtesy of Jared Gensman of Oregon 5A Boys Basketball. The Northwest Oregon Conference (NWOC) has traditionally always had some of the top teams in the classification and this season is no different. Here's how we see it turning out.   League Predictions   <ol class="wp-block-list"> <li>Wilsonville</li>   <li>Centennial</li>   <li>La Salle</li>   <li>Canby</li>   <li>Putnam</li>   <li>Parkrose</li>   <li>Hood River Valley</li>   <li>Milwaukie</li>   <li>Hillsboro</li> </ol>   Player of the Year Candidates: [player_tooltip player_id='1951856' first='Jaxon' last='Lawson'] Canby; [player_tooltip player_id='1368276' first='Cole' last='Hammack'], Wilsonville; [player_tooltip player_id='2026871' first='Darius' last='Andrews'], Centennial; [player_tooltip player_id='2204993' first='Jaxson' last='Spafford'], Putnam   All-League Predictions: [player_tooltip player_id='1951856' first='Jaxon' last='Lawson'] Canby; [player_tooltip player_id='1368276' first='Cole' last='Hammack'], Wilsonville; Michael Ratcliffe, Wilsonville; [player_tooltip player_id='2204993' first='Jaxson' last='Spafford'], Putnam; [player_tooltip player_id='2026871' first='Darius' last='Andrews'], Centennial; [player_tooltip player_id='1662765' first='Quentin' last='Neal'], Centennial; [player_tooltip player_id='2211742' first='Riggy' last='Khyungra'], La Salle   Top Sleeper/Newcomer: Michael Ratcliffe, Wilsonville; [player_tooltip player_id='2539884' first='Aazzee' last='Breaux'], Centennial   State Tournament Threats: Wilsonville, Centennial   Other Post-Season Teams: La Salle, Canby   Analysis   The Wildcats' era of dominance seemed to be over… Last season's senior class of standouts had left significant gaps to fill. However, as they do every year, Wilsonville is set to reload. Seniors [player_tooltip player_id='2297386' first='Jacob' last='Boss'] and second team all-league Emmitt Fee will be big producers on the court and are poised to step into even larger roles for this year's squad. Juniors [player_tooltip player_id='1687835' first='Brooks' last='Carter'], [player_tooltip player_id='1662764' first='Brett' last='Lyons'] & sophomore William Mania gives them crazy depth that will be hard for opponents to match. Teams will also be put on notice for the next four years as freshman big Michael Ratliffe will make an immediate impact on an already talent laden team. Even more impactful and possibly the biggest Oregon transfer that made waves in summer ball is the acquisition of senior [player_tooltip player_id='1368276' first='Cole' last='Hammack']. Adding this stellar 4A first team all-state guard from North Marion instantly makes them the favorite to win the league, if not another state title.   Two seasons ago, they were languishing near the bottom of the NWOC. Last season, they made huge strides, arguably becoming the most improved team in all 5A, if not the entire state, narrowly missing the last at-large playoff spot. This season, expect continued exponential growth. They are a legitimate top 5A team and should be a conference and state contender. Key standouts this season include second team all-league sophomore guard [player_tooltip player_id='2026871' first='Darius' last='Andrews'] (11.1 ppg, 3.2 rpg, 4.2 apg), who will be on the watch list for first team, seniors [player_tooltip player_id='2244057' first='Naoli' last='Besha'] (9.8 ppg, 7.3 rpg) who has great length, super athletic, and is a great finisher, senior [player_tooltip player_id='2394758' first='Elijah' last='Malloy'] (transfer from Central Catholic), junior [player_tooltip player_id='1662765' first='Quentin' last='Neal'] (10.2 ppg, 6.0 rpg) & sophomore Cali transfer [player_tooltip player_id='2539884' first='Aazzee' last='Breaux'] who's been impressive in the off season. This Eagles team has unmatched depth and a starting five that are among the best in 5A.   Despite the Falcons graduating a couple of all-league players, they are continuing to be a strong contender for a league title. La Salle has experienced seniors, anchored by second team all-league Aiden Kelly. Kelly has good size and is skilled in the post using creativity to put up big numbers. Senior, [player_tooltip player_id='1910901' first='Vance' last='Sheffield'] is incredibly athletic and provides a spark on offense. In the open court, he along with fellow senior [player_tooltip player_id='1920333' first='Paul' last='Skoro'] can knock down shots from about anywhere. Sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='2211742' first='Riggy' last='Khyungra'] the sleeper of 5A last year, was one of few freshmen to see meaningful minutes last year, he can beat just about anybody to the rim and defenders will have a tough task staying in front of him.   The Cougars were destined to make a run at competing for a NWOC title this season, but with an injury to star sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='2364071' first='Jack' last='Brauckmiller'] (10.0 ppg, 6.3 rpg, 2.0 spg, .679 fg%), it'll be difficult to meet those raised expectations. This will put even more focus on first team all-league junior [player_tooltip player_id='1951856' first='Jaxon' last='Lawson'] (11.9 ppg, 4.9 rpg, 3.2 apg). Even with Lawson's, great court vision and ability to score on demand, the attention he'll inevitably draw from top defenders will open opportunities for Junior [player_tooltip player_id='2844695' first='Cohen' last='Vandecoevering'] (3.5 ppg, 1.5 rpg) and senior Max Taggart (1.3 ppg) who will step into larger roles this season. Canby should secure another post season appearance while trying to avoid facing the #1 seed for the third consecutive year.   The Kingsmen featured one of the most talented groups of senior starters last season. Following a deep playoff run, they'll have a completely new look after their lone returning starter hit the transfer portal. Luckily, senior first team all-league [player_tooltip player_id='2204993' first='Jaxson' last='Spafford'] (21.2 ppg, .387 3pt%) returns back to Putnam from Milwaukie, where he will now lead the Kingsmen. Spafford has a talent to score, you can't give him deep open looks, or any open lanes, the kid has a quick first step and will torch you from anywhere. Despite his ability to take over a game and be one of the best in state, it will be challenging for Putnam to move out of the middle of the league.   Last year, Parkrose was composed for a promising season with a talented senior class, but things didn't unfold as expected, and they struggled to secure consistent wins. Replacing several key players to graduation will be difficult for the Broncos. However, a glimmer of hope lies in seniors [player_tooltip player_id='1763791' first='Julius' last='Blair'], an all-league honorable mention, and [player_tooltip player_id='2286256' first='Jaiden' last='Blair']. Both can put up points in a hurry, are creative and have range. The Broncos will need to find new leaders to support the Blair efforts to have a successful season ahead.   The Eagles relied on a trio of players to secure four league wins last year. This season, only one of those players remains and finding league victories will be just as challenging. HRV will largely now center around the talents of senior [player_tooltip player_id='2387925' first='Matthew' last='Fauth'] (8.7 ppg, 4.0 rpg), sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='2375085' first='Juan' last='Gomez'], and coming back for his senior season after a one year run with The Dalles, is the return of senior [player_tooltip player_id='1365953' first='Zachariah' last='Poole']. Having Zak and the Poole boys back at Hood River will give them an instant boost as they play in an immensely more competitive league.   The Mustangs struggled as expected last season, but they surprised many with solid wins against Centennial and Parkrose and competed in several league games. With most of their talent returning, their future looked promising, and they seemed assured to compete for a playoff spot this season. However, the always fluid transfer portal hit Milwaukie harder than any other team, with their top two players exiting the program. This leaves quite a burden for [player_tooltip player_id='2132780' first='Alex' last='Lugo'], a young sophomore to carry the Mustangs going forward.   The Spartans face another demanding season ahead. They return seniors Damien Cisneros and Jaden Alexander, along with junior [player_tooltip player_id='2844561' first='AJ' last='Garcia'], all of whom made significant contributions for them last year. However, competing with most, if not all the league will be tough this season.

The 2024-25 season is upon us and PrepHoops Oregon has you covered. We're doing pre-season previews for all of the 5A leagues across the state, giving you some insight into the teams and players you should be watching this year, courtesy of Jared Gensman of Oregon 5A Boys Basketball. The Northwest Oregon Conference (NWOC) has traditionally always had some of the top teams in the classification and this season is no different. Here's how we see it turning out.