Commitment Catchup – NWAC

As we progress into the summer, the few now-graduated members from the Class of 2025 have been making their collegiate plans for next season. We recently caught up with a number of those that are continuing their playing careers in the NWAC on their decisions.

Linn-Benton brought in a big incoming freshman class with players from all five positions, and point guard will certainly be a strength. Braxton Long comes to the Roadrunners after a stellar senior season as co-Central Valley Player of the year, averaging 12.4 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 6.8 assists - the last mark ranking second in the state. The 6-foot-2 lefty joins Olympians teammate Anthony Best down in Albany, something that played a part in his decision.

"I love the coach there and obviously, my teammate Anthony was a big part of that - we've been best friends, brothers, for a while," Long said. "I love the environment there and I've met all the players that are committed there, and they're just awesome. Everything's super fun."

Also coming in at the point is another one of 6A's best in Kai Russell. The Westview graduate was also one of the state's top assist men at 6.3 dimes per contest, and his game management skills were something head coach Todd Zimmerman saw important to add him to next year's roster.

"The reason why I chose there, was just overall, being wanted," Russell said. "I like the program in there and I see myself in really well under Coach Zim. I'm just excited to go play for them."

A senior staying extremely close to home is Nathan Sheley. The 6-foot-4 wing earned Southwest Conference Player of the Year honors in 2024-25 after averaging 16.9 points and 3.7 rebounds while shooting over 42 percent from three-point range and he's remaining in Eugene to start his college career at Lane - a program he's been well familiar with for a long time.

"I just really like the culture and the guys there," Sheley said. "I also really like CJ - I've been around him my whole life as my dad's the athletic director. And also I've played with a bunch of guys that are like sophomores and freshmen to me, so I just really thought it was a good place for me. It's familiar and something I definitely saw myself going and developing at."

Also staying close to home for college will be Jesse Bechtel. The North Salem graduate, who averaged 12.0 points and 4.7 rebounds this past season, will stay in Salem to start his collegiate career at Chemeketa, and he's grateful for the opportunity.

"I didn't get very many looks from any other schools and Chemeketa came to me with open arms," Bechtel said. "Growing up in the area, it was cool to go there. I had a good plan going there and I like the coaches and the staff a lot."

One Class of 2025 standout who will play in the NWAC up in Washington is Matthew Fauth. The Hood River Valley graduate, 5A's shot-blocking leader at 3.2 blocks per game, is headed to Whatcom where he hopes to continue competing and developing his game.

"With Whatcom it really came down to location and the atmosphere," Fauth said. "I really liked the coaches that I met and the players when I went up there for some open gyms. I also really like Bellingham it's right next to Western Washington where my brother goes. Other than that the campus is really nice and the academics are pretty solid for a community college."

Our congratulations go out to all these student athletes on their decisions.