Mid-Major Classic – Even More Standouts

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The inaugural Mid-Major Classic took place on Sunday, March 16, and 40 of the top 1A/2A/3A players in the state gathered to play competitive all-star games against one another in front of a packed gym at Riverside High School in West Linn. Lining one wall of the gym were a whole host of college coaches from the D-III/NAIA/JC ranks to watch the talent on display, and after checking our own notes, we checked in with them along with some other trusted observers to see who they thought were the top performers on the day. These players only got to compete in one game as their squads (Team Henry and Team Leman) lost their first games but even in that smaller snapshot, they made an impression.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2205010' first='Zach' last='Pippin'] (2025 Valley Catholic)</strong> - The 3A Second Team All-State honoree was solid at the point for Team Leman in their one game, making plays getting to the hoop for himself and others, and ended up recording 10 points on 4-for-8 shooting and handing out five dimes versus zero turnovers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2816602' first='Symon' last='Picard'] (2025 Nixyaawii) </strong>- The senior guard only had one game to play as Team Leman lost their opener, but when he was on the court he made his mark by playing hard and with purpose. He posted 9 points, a team-high 9 rebounds, while also dishing out two assists and grabbing three steals.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2205001' first='Luke' last='Jarussi'] (2025 Valley Catholic)</strong> - One of the biggest guys at the Mid Major Classic, the Valley Catholic big man was extremely efficient in the paint. The lefty who's headed to Pacific Lutheran powered his way to 10 points on 5-for-7 shooting, and was effective on the defensive end as a rim protector with a couple of blocks.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2816603' first='Leven' last='Whitbeck'] (2025 Wheeler) </strong>- A late addition to the event, Whitbeck made the most out of the opportunity. The senior swingman largely looked to shoot from the perimeter on offense, hitting three from deep, but was very effective on the defensive glass and getting after it on the defensive end.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Michael Montez (2025 Umatilla)</strong> - The leading scoring player out of anyone who only played one game, Montez notched 16 points for Team Henry in their loss to Team Martin. The senior guard was super aggressive offensively, looking to attack the hoop and got some nice finishes over bigger players inside.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2816600' first='Caleb' last='Dickinson'] (2025 Mannahouse) </strong>- Listed at 6-foot-2, Dickinson played bigger than his height thanks to his physical stature and willingness to play super tough. He took it to the basket fearlessly against the big guys with Team Martin, scoring 14 points efficiently (5-for-7 from the field, 4-for-4 from the line) while also playing great team basketball.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2816597' first='Jack' last='Leland'] (2025 Westside Christian)</strong> - Like he did all year long for 3A champs Westside Christian, Leland contributed in all phases of the game on the basketball floor for Team Henry. The senior guard wasn't flashy but at the end of the day, he had posted 6 points on 3-for-4 shooting, grabbed five boards, and nabbed two steals.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->