2025-26 6A Preview - Mt Hood Conference

The 2025-26 season is upon us and PrepHoops Oregon has you covered. We're doing pre-season previews for all of the 6A leagues across the state, giving you some insight into the teams and players you should be watching this year. The Mt Hood Conference is loaded this year and according to Barlow head coach Tom Johnson, may be the deepest top-to-bottom since the mid-1990's. Here's how we see it turning out.   League Predictions   <ol class="wp-block-list"> <li>Central Catholic</li>   <li>Nelson</li>   <li>Clackamas</li>   <li>Barlow</li>   <li>Gresham</li>   <li>Sandy</li>   <li>David Douglas</li>   <li>Reynolds</li> </ol>   Player of the Year: [player_tooltip player_id='2026057' first='Braylon' last='Gaines'], Nelson   All-League Predictions: Gaines; [player_tooltip player_id='2026062' first='RJ' last='Barhoum'], Clackamas; [player_tooltip player_id='1582928' first='Zamir' last='Paschal'], Central Catholic; [player_tooltip player_id='1653212' first='Kareem' last='Artharee'], Gresham; [player_tooltip player_id='2026890' first='Maddyn' last='Cummings'], Barlow   Top Sleeper/Newcomer: [player_tooltip player_id='2888697' first='Jordan' last='Smith'], Reynolds   State Tournament Threats: Central Catholic, Nelson, Clackamas   Other Post-Season Teams: Barlow, Gresham, Sandy   Analysis   It's not even arguable - on paper, Central Catholic has the most basketball talent on its roster. Head coach David Blue has a squad that's full of run-and-jump athletes but also ones that are skilled, can shoot, handle, and pass the ball - it wouldn't be a stretch to say that seven guys on the team will be playing college basketball at a scholarship level. In fact, one has already made his commitment to a Division I school in [player_tooltip player_id='2026792' first='Robbie' last='Long'] (8.2 ppg, 4.0 rpg, 3.7 apg, 1.6 spg) as he signed with Loyola-Maryland. The 6-foot-3 combo guard is fresh off quarterbacking the Rams to the 6A football finals but hoops is where his future lies, and he improved over the off-season arguably more than anyone else on the team. Back at full strength is Zamir "Bam" Paschal who missed the latter half of last season including the playoffs. The 6-foot guard looks as healthy as ever and is a triple-double threat every time he steps on the floor. [player_tooltip player_id='1585573' first='Jalen' last='Nicholson'] (9.0 ppg, 4.9 rpg) is another senior looking at a big jump this season. His combination of 6-foot-7 size and skill are a matchup nightmare for opponents. Another matchup problem is [player_tooltip player_id='2411676' first='Donovan' last='Miller'], another senior whose stock rose during the spring and summer months. Now standing 6-foot-7, he's ready to showcase his quick release and accuracy from long range in regular season play. If having these guys weren't enough, the Rams also bring in a couple of impact transfers in juniors [player_tooltip player_id='2026054' first='Isaac' last='Bongen'] (12.1 ppg, 2.9 rpg, .375 3pt% at Jesuit) and [player_tooltip player_id='2132831' first='Malcolm' last='Weatherspoon'] (from Mountain View in Vancouver). Both are high-flying athletes who can also knock down the three. Add in others like seniors Luddy Barron and junior [player_tooltip player_id='2757018' first='Jaco' last='Rivers'] that will be in the rotation and Central Catholic has the deepest, most talented roster in the state. The key of course - and Blue would be the first to tell you this - how it all comes together.   The ascension of Nelson as a program has continued and 2025-26 could be the year the Hawks take the next step. Head coach Daniel Blanks has assembled an incredibly tough schedule - Nelson is playing in both the Capitol City Classic and Les Schwab Invitational - as there's no question Nelson has its eyes set on making its first-ever state tournament. A talented and experienced roster will no doubt get them there and it all starts at the point, where [player_tooltip player_id='2026057' first='Braylon' last='Gaines'] (21.5 ppg, 4.8 rpg, 5.9 apg, 2.8 apg) is back for year three starting at the point guard spot. A modern lead guard who dominates with the ball in his hands, the junior has both led 6A in assists and points and he'll be near the tops in both categories again this season. He'll be joined in the backcourt by sophomore transfer [player_tooltip player_id='2427510' first='Carter' last='Lockhart'], who ranks as the top player in the Class of 2028 already holding a scholarship offer from Oregon. The lefty is capable of playing both on and off the ball, is extremely skilled, and will benefit from Gaines' passing as he's a knockdown shooter. Speaking of which, helping out in the backcourt whether starting or coming off the bench will be two more knockdown shooters in Jayden Schregardus (10.9 ppg, 3.0 rpg, 2.5 3pg) and [player_tooltip player_id='2313999' first='Cooper' last='Day'] (3.0 ppg, .348 3pt%). There's more depth with defensive stoppers Chaz Katonga (5.1 ppg, 4.1 rpg) and [player_tooltip player_id='2204994' first='Jordan' last='Bonifacio'] (0.8 ppg) and hyper-athletic [player_tooltip player_id='2132795' first='Malachi' last='Garlington'] (3.3 ppg, 2.1 rpg) will create havoc with his highlight-reel finishes above the rim. Up front, Zadon Richardson (5.7 ppg, 4.3 rpg) will anchor the paint and sophomore transfer Leo Onichenko should also make an impact.   Now year three in the second stint for Ryan King at Clackamas, the Cavs have slowly built themselves into a league title and state tournament contender. The veteran head coach has a squad that has matured from a bunch of young bucks into experienced players and with the addition of some key components to their lineup should be a team to be reckoned with. [player_tooltip player_id='2026062' first='RJ' last='Barhoum'] (21.3 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 2.2 apg, 3.8 3pg) is the main returnee and the guard exploded as a sophomore into one of the state's most dangerous shooters and scorers. The junior's range starts right after he crosses the mid-court line and when he gets hot he's incredibly hard to stop. Barhoum worked hard this season on getting to the basket and his passing which make him even more unstoppable. [player_tooltip player_id='2684850' first='Max' last='Martinov'] (13.2 ppg, 5.0 rpg, 3.7 apg) is a fellow junior that will excel alongside Barhoum. Also a great shooter and scorer, he's also a fantastic passer who plays well with the flow of the game without forcing the issue. He'll have a big year. Swingmen Kyle Christiansen and [player_tooltip player_id='2887447' first='Andrew' last='Marcoe'] also return and are looking at increased roles. Both are good all-around athletes who can score both inside and out and defend multiple positions. [player_tooltip player_id='2245263' first='Syrius' last='Owens'] (14.8 ppg, 6.0 rpg, 1.3 bpg, .567 fg% at Roosevelt) is the key newcomer. His length at 6-foot-7 will create mismatches for opponents on the offensive end and his ability to block shots will be critical for the Cavs defense. Fellow transfer Augie Frantz (3.0 ppg, 1.0 rpg at Roosevelt) will be key with his defensive dog mentality and freshman Sammie Martinov is expected to also get minutes.   It was a magical 2024-25 for Barlow as the Bruins met all expectations by capturing the 6A title, head coach Tom Johnson's first state championship in his legendary career. But instead of walking off into the sunset, he's back for another round and has a team that may not be as naturally athletically talented but has a team-oriented mentality that actually may better reflect their man in charge. [player_tooltip player_id='2026890' first='Maddyn' last='Cummings'] (7.0 ppg, 2.5 rpg, 1.5 apg, .382 3pt%, .900 ft%) is the only starter returning but the junior is a good one to start with. The combo guard can both score and pass, is a tough defender, and has an incredible feel for the game. He hit some huge shots in the 6A title game and will step immediately into the leadership role. Senior [player_tooltip player_id='1978342' first='Maddox' last='Young'] (3.2 ppg, 1.5 rpg) is expected to be the leading scorer. Well-built at 6-foot-5, he's a matchup problem with his bulk and ability to shoot and create from the perimeter. Senior Caleb Perry (1.1 ppg, 0.7 rpg) got major minutes last year and is tough on D and junior [player_tooltip player_id='2026889' first='Silas' last='Gentry'] (1.9 ppg, 1.7 rpg) is also experienced, but the rest of the rotation is relatively new. Look for juniors Stan Bozhduga (0.7 ppg in 3 games) at 6-foot-4 and Corbett transfer [player_tooltip player_id='3037264' first='Greyson' last='Aho'] at 6-foot-5 to be the key guys up front and 6-foot sophomore Gabe Burnette to provide additional firepower from the perimeter. Barlow has already built tremendous chemistry together and looked good during this off-season, so it would be wise to not sleep on them.   Hired late in the process, Cliff White took the reins at Gresham and capably directed them without a hitch to the post-season. The prognosis looks good for a repeat as most of the key guys are back from last year's squad including three seniors who will lead the way. [player_tooltip player_id='1653212' first='Kareem' last='Artharee'] (11.9 ppg, 5.8 rpg, 1.9 apg, 1.1 bpg) is the team's leading returning scorer and is projected to be again this season. The 6-foot-5 swingman is a great athlete who has improved on his shooting consistency over the summer. [player_tooltip player_id='1582934' first='Jeremiah' last='Pichon'] (10.7 ppg, 5.4 rpg, 2.9 apg, 1.7 spg, .378 3pt%) and [player_tooltip player_id='2120416' first='Levi' last='Gaither'] (7.8 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 3.9 apg, .483 3pt%) are back at guard and both are capable shooters, ball-handlers, and distributors - Gaither led all of 6A in three-point shooting percentage last year. Another three-point sniper back is sophomore Ter'Rae Foster (11.3 ppg, 2.6 rpg, 4.1 apg, 1.6 spg, .432 3pt%, 2.7 3pg) who's outright dangerous when he gets hot from three. He's established himself as one of the top players in the Class of 2028. The keys for Gresham will be depth - sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='2539780' first='Jakai' last='Pippa-White'] (3.5 ppg, 4.2 rpg in 12 games) is the only other significant returnee - and what they get out of their bigs, as 6-foot-4 junior Grady Baugette and 6-foot-5 sophomore transfer [player_tooltip player_id='2950747' first='Zakai' last='Onick'] will be thrown into the mix.   Sandy snuck up on people last year but without Jacob Brown on the roster this season, head coach Paul Henderson's squad may find things a bit harder. Nevertheless, the Pioneers return several guys from last year's team that will keep them as an under-the-radar playoff threat. Four seniors will lead the way in returning starters Hayden Harding (11.2 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 3.8 apg) and Jasiah Cochran (7.4 ppg, 4.9 rpg, 1.9 spg), with Logan Carpenter (3.8 ppg, .352 3pt%) and Justin Brenner (2.6 ppg, 2.8 rpg, 1.6 apg) also getting plenty of time. All experienced players who will likely soak up most of the playing time once again. They'll be joined by one of the league's most promising newcomers in [player_tooltip player_id='3151127' first='Logan' last='Brian'] who starred on the JV last season. Standing 6-foot-7 with good length, the junior could very well be the next Jacob Brown according to Henderson. As usual, the Pioneers will be well coached and play a brand of team basketball that will minimize turnovers.   2025-26 may be the last year for Chad Reeves in his distinguished 20+ year career as head coach at David Douglas, but as always the Scots won't go down without a fight in any game they play. The players he has on this year's roster may not be household names but they are familiar to David Douglas fans as they are the younger brothers of former standouts. [player_tooltip player_id='2880548' first='Jackson' last='Satterthwaite'] (7.4 ppg, 4.5 rpg) is the last of three brothers to suit up in the Red and White and he'll be counted on heavily for his offensive production. He may be one of the more underrated performers in the entire Mt Hood Conference. Reeves will have a voice on the floor in his son Luke Reeves (4.5 ppg, 1.5 ppg, 1.0 apg), a solid shooter and passer who keeps mistakes to a minimum. Look for [player_tooltip player_id='2880606' first='Luke' last='Chadwick'] to emerge as a scoring option. The 6-foot-4 junior was the leading scorer on the JV team last year and he can really knock down the three. Returning starter Malachi Fong (3.0 ppg, 3.1 rpg) will patrol the lane. The junior may be undersized at 6-foot-1 but he more than makes up for it with his bulk and hustle. He'll get help from senior Keyvonte Hillerich (2.8 ppg, 2.1 rpg) who should be ready to step up as a senior.   There's no question that Reynolds is going to be a lot better this year than seasons past and the future is bright for head coach Terrance Dickens and his program with the talented youth both in place and coming up through the ranks. Still the Raiders have a lot to prove as they haven't won a league game in years. This could be the season they break through though as they'll be scrappy and ready to make some noise. 6-foot-7 [player_tooltip player_id='1671255' first='Eddie' last='Szabatin'] (12.0 ppg, 6.7 rpg, 1.0 bpg) is back for his senior year and while his growth, especially offensively, has been good, Dickens is hoping his big man gets back to the aggressiveness he had on the boards when he led 6A in rebounding two years ago. Sophomore guard [player_tooltip player_id='2539779' first='Jae'lyn' last='Smith'] (10.4 ppg, 4.1 rpp, 3.3 apg) is the other double-figure scorer back and the ball will be in his hands at the point. Josiah Jenkins (3.5 ppg, 2.6 rpg) is another veteran that returns and will lend some experience. The name to really watch out for at Reynolds though is [player_tooltip player_id='2888697' first='Jordan' last='Smith']. The 6-foot-3 freshman ranks as the top newcomer in the entire state and has the talent to immediately average over 20 points a game and Dickens has publicly stated he will be putting the ball in his hands.

The 2025-26 season is upon us and PrepHoops Oregon has you covered. We're doing pre-season previews for all of the 6A leagues across the state, giving you some insight into the teams and players you should be watching this year. The Mt Hood Conference is loaded this year and according to Barlow head coach Tom Johnson, may be the deepest top-to-bottom since the mid-1990's. Here's how we see it turning out.