6A State Quarterfinal Preview

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We are down to the Elite 8 of the three largest classifications in Oregon high school basketball. We take a look at the match ups tipping off today at the Chiles Center on the campus of the University of Portland.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>1:30 Benson vs Clackamas</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Both teams had to pull of dramatic wins in the Round of 16 to make it this far, with Benson getting a buzzer beating three pointer from fab frosh [player_tooltip player_id='2910099' first='Kendall' last='Hopkins-McGlothen'] to knock off top ranked Southridge &amp; Clackamas rallying late to knock off cross town rival Nelson in double OT on a late three pointer from junior guard [player_tooltip player_id='2026062' first='RJ' last='Barhoum']. Neither team has made it to the tourney in a while, so it should be interesting to see how they both handle the situation. Expect an up tempo game as both teams like to push the pace &amp; have skilled players to do so. Both teams have multiple players that are being recruited with McGlothen the prospect with the highest ceiling. Look for the experience &amp; perimeter shooting of Clackamas to be the difference.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>3:15 Sherwood vs Tualatin</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sherwood is making their first appearance at the big school state tournament, while Tualatin has been a perennial threat to cut down the nets since Covid. Sherwood features two standout wings with great length in senior [player_tooltip player_id='1606063' first='Brody' last='Rygh'], an OIT commit, &amp; junior lefty [player_tooltip player_id='2132836' first='Avery' last='Johnson']. Tualatin features arguable the best back court in Oregon in senior [player_tooltip player_id='1582973' first='Jemai' last='Lake'], headed to Montana, &amp; junior Pat Vialva. We expect Sherwood to mix things up defensively to try &amp; keep the TWolves off balance, also look for the Bowmen to try &amp; slow the pace a little bit in an attempt to curtail Tualatin's high scoring attack. Multiple college players in this game from future D1 guys on down the levels, so should make for an exciting match up. In the end, Tualatin's depth &amp; athleticism may be too much for Sherwood.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>6:30 Oregon City vs Jesuit</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The first rule of making predictions about Oregon high school hoops is to never count out Jesuit coach Gene Potter. His track record &amp; trophy case speaks for itself. From last summer, we have been impressed with Oregon City's versatility, length, &amp; physical toughness. They have the ability to be effective playing fast or in a grind it out game, not many teams possess. Jesuit emerged as the only Metro League team to advance to the Elite 8 with a win over league foe Westview. Jesuit features a balanced line up lead by junior [player_tooltip player_id='1961798' first='Major' last='Williams'] &amp; senior [player_tooltip player_id='1989913' first='Joe' last='Stimpson']. For Jesuit to compete tonight, senior wing [player_tooltip player_id='2111917' first='Sam' last='Curvy'] will be need to play well to match Oregon City's length on the glass. The Pioneers feature a balanced offensive attack with junior wing [player_tooltip player_id='2421603' first='Eli' last='Hopkins'] possessing the most upside. We love the toughness &amp; leadership of their seniors, [player_tooltip player_id='2054373' first='Alijah' last='Scott'], a 6'2 guard &amp; post man [player_tooltip player_id='2469346' first='Connor' last='Lemmon']. In a game, we expect to be super physical, look for Oregon City to wear down the Crusaders &amp; win a tightly contested battle.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>8:15 Grant vs Central Catholic</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We had the chance to watch Grant in person for the first time last week &amp; walked away super impressed with their length, athleticism, &amp; youthful energy. The Generals start 4 sophomores &amp; a freshman, but don't seem to be fazed by playoff moments. Central Catholic which won the 2024 state title, returns a talented &amp; veteran crew, lead by the back court duo of seniors Bam Paschall &amp; [player_tooltip player_id='2026792' first='Robbie' last='Long'], a Loyola commit. Add to that a glut of talented wings that possess great size &amp; the Rams have the length &amp; athleticism to match Grant. If this game were being played in March of 2027, we might think differently, but look for Central Catholic to pull away in a game that promises to feature high flying &amp; athletic plays from both teams.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->