2025-26 5A Preview: Mid-Willamette Conference

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 2025-26 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. It looks like a top-heavy race for the league title, but everything else will be up for grabs this year in the Mid-Willamette Conference.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>League Predictions</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list {"ordered":true} --> <ol class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>West Albany</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Corvallis</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Central</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Crescent Valley</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Lebanon</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Woodbury</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>South Albany</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Silverton</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>McKay</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Dallas</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ol> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Player of the Year Candidates:</strong> Jonah Lasselle, West Albany; [player_tooltip player_id='2572921' first='Tyson' last='Walker'], West Albany; [player_tooltip player_id='2747508' first='Faisal' last='Alsharif'], Corvallis; [player_tooltip player_id='1606558' first='Jack' last='Holestine'], Central</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>All-League Predictions: </strong>Jonah Lasselle, West Albany; [player_tooltip player_id='2572921' first='Tyson' last='Walker'], West Albany; [player_tooltip player_id='2747508' first='Faisal' last='Alsharif'], Corvallis; [player_tooltip player_id='1606558' first='Jack' last='Holestine'], Central; [player_tooltip player_id='2844734' first='Kavanaugh' last='Jensen'], Crescent Valley; [player_tooltip player_id='2766533' first='Logan' last='Large'], Lebanon</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top Sleeper/Newcomer: </strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1874655' first='Logan' last='Gutches'], Corvallis; Rob Southard, West Albany</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>State Tourney Threats</strong>: West Albany</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Other Post Season Teams:</strong> Corvallis, Central, Crescent Valley, Lebanon</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Analysis</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This should be the year the Bulldogs run the conference with relative ease. As good as they were last year, (narrowly losing the conference title due to procedural violation) they should find redemption this season. West arguably had the best starting five in all 5A last season and may be even better this year. A combination of great depth and significant Mid-Willamette Conference departures should set the stage for another successful season. Their key returners are senior multi-sport athletes [player_tooltip player_id='2572921' first='Tyson' last='Walker'] (10.1 ppg, 5.5 rpg, 1.9 rpg, .576 fg%) &amp; Jonah Lasselle (9.9 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 2.6 apg, 2.7 spg). Both received all-conference recognition last season, and both will be depended on to elevate their game even further. Junior [player_tooltip player_id='2732151' first='Grey' last='Nieman'] (10.8 ppg, 3.6 rpg, .393 3pt%), one of the state's best sophomores last season will no doubt be another problem to contend with. One of our sleepers of the year is senior Rob Southard 93.6 ppg, 2.1 rpg). He was a modest contributor for West Albany last season, but after a fantastic off-season he should be on full display this year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Led by a strong group of experienced seniors, the Spartans will be powered by players who show continuous improvement. Senior [player_tooltip player_id='2747508' first='Faisal' last='Alsharif'] exploded on the scene after the holiday break last year and carried much of the Corvallis production, playing well enough to garner second team all-league. Senior [player_tooltip player_id='1874655' first='Logan' last='Gutches'], who received league honorable mention has been another to have a breakout off-season and looks to be motivated to be a crucial factor for this team. Seniors Nick Swenson &amp; [player_tooltip player_id='2575687' first='Simeon' last='Arthur'] are two more guys that will see increased minutes and be depended on for added<br>production.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Coming off a season where close games slipped away, the Panthers are ready to turn the page and emerge as one of 5A's most improved teams. Despite only capturing six league wins last season, they were extremely competitive and had several close contests. This is the year where they'll find themselves on the winning side more often than not. Central returns nearly everyone, including seniors [player_tooltip player_id='1606558' first='Jack' last='Holestine'] (20.1 ppg, 3.6 rpg, 2.4 apg) &amp; Ryan Burgett (12.5 ppg, 8.4 rpg, 1.5 apg, 1.3 spg), both of whom received all conference recognition last season. The dynamic Holestine is a scoring threat from anywhere and should be a front runner to win MWC player of the year. He, along with Burgett should be one of the best scoring duos in the conference. Sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='2813809' first='Lucas' last='Haines'] (8.0 ppg, 5.9 rpg) 0.8 bpg) brings a new dimension to the defense, with his imposing 6'6" frame, he's ready to be a significant game changing factor in altering shots and protecting the paint.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Raiders will enter the season with an outstanding frontcourt senior duo. All-league wing [player_tooltip player_id='2844734' first='Kavanaugh' last='Jensen'] (8.4 ppg, 3.0 rpg, 1.9 apg, .449 3pt%) is among the best in the transition, he's able to get downhill quickly and create opportunities for himself and others. He's also a knock down shooter that needs to be respected. Defensive specialist [player_tooltip player_id='2844727' first='Alex' last='Mattson'] (3.9 ppg, 4.8 rpg, 1.9 bpg, .556 fg%) is already one of the state's best defensive players. His ability to be a rim protector &amp; shot blocker will anchor this team's defensive philosophy. Mattson's commanding 6'7” frame is surprisingly quick &amp; he's able to cover most of the half court in just a few steps. He will no doubt be a presence in the paint on both ends of the floor. As good as these two are, they'll need a capable backcourt and depth if they hope to elevate in the conference.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Positioned as a team on the rise, the Warriors are entering a competitive season with aspirations of ending a 10-year playoff absence. Their experienced roster will be led by a core of seniors, most notably the formidable scoring duo of [player_tooltip player_id='2766533' first='Logan' last='Large'] (15.6 ppg, 5.4 rpg, 2.6 apg) and [player_tooltip player_id='2745242' first='Gunner' last='Miller'] (10.3 ppg, 2.8 rpg, 1.7 apg, .392 3pt%), who both earned Mid-Willamette Conference recognition last season. Senior Ryan Robinson (6.3 ppg, 3.8 rpg) is another crucial factor for the team's success. All three players will be instrumental in guiding a challenging MWC environment that will feature strong competition from Corvallis, Central, and Crescent Valley.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Woodburn's Bulldog squad faces a challenging season, undergoing a significant roster overhaul after losing ten players and their coaching staff. Alum Coach Enrique Sandoval returns at the helm to lead a team expected to be led by [player_tooltip player_id='2356006' first='Anthony' last='Figueredo'] (9.7 ppg, 2.4 rpg, 1.4 apg). As one of only two returning varsity players, the senior, who previously served as a stellar complementary player, will need to elevate his game into a major leadership role and provide most of the offense. Junior wing [player_tooltip player_id='2737289' first='Logan' last='Pankey'] (2.4 ppg, 3.0 rpg) will also take on a much larger role as the team works to develop future talent while remaining competitive.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The RedHawks may be in a rebuilding-type season, but they are led by an experienced, senior-heavy roster and a coach who is known for maximizing his team's potential. With the absence of one of the state's most prolific scorers from last season, seniors Brody Terrell (2.5 ppg, 0.9 rpg), Griffin Zink (0.2 rpg in 6 games) and junior Marshall Miller (2.5 ppg, 2.3 rpg) will have the chance to step up and be the driving forces behind South Albany.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Foxes will have plenty of opportunities for growth and to find their identity this season. With only a few seniors, they'll have a relatively younger team eager to compete and establish themselves for this season, and the future. Senior transfer Chase Dominguez (3.9 ppg, 8.0 rpg at McKay) will be welcomed and make an immediate impact. Along with senior Sam Haugen and junior Luke Horner, this core should be the highest producers on this team.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Royal Scots are another team that's been affected by transfers. What could have been a formidable senior core, McKay will largely have a younger team with limited varsity exposure who may end up being overlooked, yet still have the capacity and confidence to surprise opponents throughout the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Dragons program, which has had limited success in recent seasons in terms of wins, is looking to improve. Coach Alex King has a roster of promising sophomores and juniors who will be expected to compete against top teams in the Mid-Willamette Conference and make an impact for growth.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->