2025-26 6A Preview – Pre-Season Top Ten

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 2025-26 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 most all the teams 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>Benson</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ol> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Make no bones about it the PIL is down in 2025-26, but it wouldn't seem right for the league to not have a pre-season top ten team and Benson is the pick. The truth of the matter is the Astros aren't a pick by default though as head coach Earl Clark has a team that may still be relatively young, but is talented and experienced as practically everyone returns. Senior [player_tooltip player_id='1606557' first='Dache' last='Acelar'] is the only First Team All-PIL honoree back from last season and he'll once again lead the charge, while junior [player_tooltip player_id='2132803' first='Richad' last='Hudson'] will return as his backcourt running mate. Sophomores Malu Niko and JP Parnell provide a nice blend of strength and athleticism up front, complimented by junior Danyal McKelvey. The Astros also add perhaps one of the state's top freshmen in [player_tooltip player_id='2910099' first='Kendall' last='Hopkins-McGlothen'] who will likely step right in and be one of the team's leading scorers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list {"ordered":true,"start":9} --> <ol start="9" class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>South Salem</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ol> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It's going to be a very competitive year in the Central Valley Conference but it appears the Saxons may have the leg up by the slimmest of margins. The reason why? Head coach Kip Ioane has two of Salem's top seniors on his squad in Oregon State baseball signee [player_tooltip player_id='1687840' first='Teagan' last='Scott'] and point guard [player_tooltip player_id='1671256' first='Tko' last='Westbrook']. Scott ranks as one of the top scorers in the state whereas Westbrook is one of the top passers. Fellow senior [player_tooltip player_id='2892510' first='Brayden' last='Fleener'] made some big strides during the off-season and is a major factor as a shot-blocker and juniors [player_tooltip player_id='2539890' first='Brett' last='Gill'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2575686' first='Samuel' last='Johnson'] should be key contributors. South Salem may not have a ton of size but they will play fast and look to use their speed to their advantage.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list {"ordered":true,"start":8} --> <ol start="8" class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Sherwood</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ol> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Every year the question is posed - will this be the year the Bowmen make it to the Chiles Center? This very well could be the season for Sherwood and head coach Rahim Tufts. He has arguably the top one-two wing punch in 6A in senior [player_tooltip player_id='1606063' first='Brody' last='Rygh'] and junior [player_tooltip player_id='2132836' first='Avery' last='Johnson'], and they aren't alone. Senior Jonah Furino will provide some size up front, senior Riley DeBorde will run the show from the point, and junior Judah Dresser could be one of the top varsity newcomers in the Pacific Conference. While the Bowmen will likely run roughshod through conference play once again, the non-league slate is tough and will not only prepare them for the post-season, some wins will boost their RPI enough to potentially host a second round playoff game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list {"ordered":true,"start":7} --> <ol start="7" class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Clackamas</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ol> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>After a rebuilding season in 2023-24, a young Clackamas squad returned to the playoffs and now a year older head coach Ryan King's squad is aiming for even more. The Cavs are led by junior [player_tooltip player_id='2026062' first='RJ' last='Barhoum'], the most prolific three-point shooter in the state who's added strength and more diversity to his game this off-season. He's a league MVP and All-State candidate. Barhoum won't be doing things alone as the surrounding cast is talented and deep, with fellow junior [player_tooltip player_id='2684850' first='Max' last='Martinov'] and seniors [player_tooltip player_id='2887447' first='Andrew' last='Marcoe'] and Kyle Kristensen also going to play major roles. The addition of transfer [player_tooltip player_id='2245263' first='Syrius' last='Owens'] is the cherry on top as Clackamas will compete for a Mt Hood league title and state tournament appearance.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list {"ordered":true,"start":6} --> <ol start="6" class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Oregon City</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ol> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It seems strange for a team to lose its best player from last season and perhaps have an even better outlook, but that seems to be the case for Oregon City. So while star Gylan Payne is now at OIT, head coach Aaron Newkirk returns practically everyone else for a Pioneers team that should challenge for the Three Rivers League title and the state tournament. It all starts with great size up front with athletic junior bookend forwards [player_tooltip player_id='2026063' first='Alarion' last='Scott'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2421603' first='Eli' last='Hopkins'], and plenty of bulk with [player_tooltip player_id='2469346' first='Connor' last='Lemmon'] - all of whom stand 6-foot-5 and taller. Senior [player_tooltip player_id='2054373' first='Alijah' last='Scott'] ascends to the top dog role in the backcourt, with fellow seniors [player_tooltip player_id='2560868' first='Madden' last='Sendek'] and Alex Hoff, along with junior [player_tooltip player_id='2479591' first='LJ' last='Batchelor'] all back as well. Oregon City has size, athleticism, and experience - a great combination for a team with high aspirations.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list {"ordered":true,"start":5} --> <ol start="5" class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Jesuit</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ol> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>For a "down" year, Jesuit still made ways making a Cinderella-like run to the 6A championship game before hitting eventual champ Barlow. The losses are big - including the transfer of [player_tooltip player_id='2026054' first='Isaac' last='Bongen'] to Central Catholic - but there's plenty of talent returning for head coach Gene Potter to lead the Crusaders on another march to the state tournament and this time, more of a favorite than underdog. [player_tooltip player_id='1585574' first='Ryan' last='Barone'] steps into a senior leadership role and the lefty is one of the top sharpshooters in the Metro League. Junior guards [player_tooltip player_id='1961798' first='Major' last='Williams'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2047153' first='Penny' last='Harrison'] both continued their development as guards and are explosive as scorers and stoppers as defenders. The X factor may be senior [player_tooltip player_id='2111917' first='Sam' last='Curvy'], whose athleticism up front is now complimented by a more confident offensive game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list {"ordered":true,"start":4} --> <ol start="4" class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Nelson</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ol> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The ascension of Nelson as a basketball powerhouse has continued under head coach Daniel Blanks and it will continue in a big way in 2025-26. A big reason why they are ready - the number of key players that return and the addition of some big-time transfers. Leading the way for the returnees is point guard [player_tooltip player_id='2026057' first='Braylon' last='Gaines'], who led 6A in scoring last season. He's a special athlete who makes everyone around him better. Also back as fellow juniors are defensive specialist [player_tooltip player_id='2470697' first='Chaz' last='Katoanga'], hyper-athletic wing [player_tooltip player_id='2132795' first='Malachi' last='Garlington'], and sharp-shooters [player_tooltip player_id='2026060' first='Jaydon' last='Schregardus'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2313999' first='Cooper' last='Day'] - all of whom had big games last season. [player_tooltip player_id='2469344' first='Zaden' last='Richardson'] will be a key guy in the lane and the two transfers who will make noise are sophomore guard [player_tooltip player_id='2427510' first='Carter' last='Lockhart'] - the top-ranked player in the state in the Class of 2028 - and fellow soph [player_tooltip player_id='2427524' first='Leo' last='Onishchenko'] will help up front. The Hawks fell a game short in last year's playoffs but are ready to take the next step to the state tournament buoyed by having arguably the deepest roster in 6A.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list {"ordered":true,"start":3} --> <ol start="3" class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Southridge</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ol> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It's wild to think that a team could graduate two all-league performers and still be a legit candidate to not only win the Metro League but challenge for the state title, but that's exactly the position Southridge is in. Head coach Phil Vesel returns practically everyone else from last year's state tournament squad and the addition of a legitimate big man gives the Skyhawks a unique look they haven't had in several years. Junior [player_tooltip player_id='2026058' first='Elijah' last='Thompson'] is back to run the point for Southridge and after another year of physical growth and skill development, has emerged as a Player of the Year candidate. Once again Southridge will find its strength in its shooting with seniors [player_tooltip player_id='1607597' first='Drew' last='Groenig'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1604658' first='Julius' last='Vesel'] and junior [player_tooltip player_id='2026515' first='Brooks' last='Fortune'] leading the way, and do-everything talent junior [player_tooltip player_id='2026514' first='Nikko' last='Kalish'] will make his presence known everywhere on the court. [player_tooltip player_id='1787372' first='Ryder' last='Zanon'] is the aforementioned big man who will help immensely with his ability to score inside and collapse the defense for the shooters to fire away. The "bugaboo" for Southridge has been that first game at the state tournament but every significant player having gone through that now, the Skyhawks are positioned to get past that game - and go beyond.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list {"ordered":true,"start":2} --> <ol start="2" class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Tualatin</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ol> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A mainstay at the state tournament, there's no reason to believe the Timberwolves won't get there again. A big reason why - head coach Bubba Lemon has at his disposal what is arguably the best backcourt in all of 6A in [player_tooltip player_id='1582973' first='Jemai' last='Lake'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2132800' first='Pat' last='Vialva Jr']. Lake - the number one ranked player in the senior class and a Montana signee - is the odds-on favorite to be the state player of the year and there's no question he would love to add another championship ring to his resume. Vialva possesses perhaps the most dangerous pull-up jumper in the state and he works alongside Lake perfectly on both ends of the floor. The guard depth continues with returnees [player_tooltip player_id='2124995' first='Carter' last='Lemon'], who also started in the backcourt, and seniors [player_tooltip player_id='2789627' first='Elijah' last='Casey'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2144832' first='Daniel' last='Hailey'] who are both ready for increased roles. A rotation of guys will form the frontcourt with [player_tooltip player_id='2539789' first='Lincoln' last='Keeney'], Trent Dearborn, Carter Powers, and the Wacker brothers, Ryan Wacker and [player_tooltip player_id='2484410' first='Riley' last='Wacker'], all likely to get court time. The Timberwolves are loaded with multi-sport athletes who are fierce competitors yet also skilled basketball players, making them a tough matchup for anyone they go up against.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list {"ordered":true} --> <ol class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Central Catholic</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ol> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>While the Rams flamed out at the Chiles Center last year after two losses, there's a legitimate argument that if [player_tooltip player_id='1582928' first='Zamir' last='Paschal'] had been around Central Catholic could have been two-time champs. The talented guard known as "Bam" is back and healthy again and the potential walking triple-double will lead a team that's as talented as head coach David Blue has ever had during his tenure at the school. Loyola-Maryland signee and star quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='2026792' first='Robbie' last='Long'] returns and he improved as much as anyone in the entire state over the off-season. The same could be said for fellow senior [player_tooltip player_id='2411676' first='Donovan' last='Miller'], who has grown to almost 6-foot-8 and has one of the sweetest looking outside jumpers around. Another player who will make serious noise now that he's fully healthy is [player_tooltip player_id='1585573' first='Jalen' last='Nicholson'], whose size at 6-foot-7 and ability to score both inside and out make him a matchup nightmare. Two impact newcomers will be a part of the rotation, whether they are starting or not. [player_tooltip player_id='2026054' first='Isaac' last='Bongen'] comes over from Jesuit off a huge state tournament performance and his athleticism is near unmatched in the state of Oregon. Coming in not far behind transferring in from Vancouver's Mountain View High School is [player_tooltip player_id='2132831' first='Malcolm' last='Weatherspoon'], a lethal combination of high-flying athleticism, motor, and perimeter shooting. Other unheralded returnees such as senior Luddy Barron and junior [player_tooltip player_id='2757018' first='Jaco' last='Rivers'] give the Rams depth at every position on the floor. On paper, Central Catholic appears to be the favorite to win it all but as they say, the games still need to be played.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->