Storm Adds a Backcourt

As some will say the game is about guards and Chemeketa clearly sought to add to their perimeter corps with the start of their 2026 recruiting class. The Storm has essentially added a starting backcourt for the next two years as they've received pledges from two top guards not far from home, with Jacob Sanderson from West Salem and Gunner Miller from Lebanon signing to come on board to start hteir college careers.

In Sanderson, head coach Jeff Williams adds a hard-nosed, defensive stopper coach's son who just happened to lead all of 6A in assists per game last season (6.6 apg). An intense competitor who was actually also a football standout at West Salem, he decided basketball was what he wanted to pursue in college and Chemeketa offered him the best opportunity in several areas.

"I thought it was the best fit because it's close to home and I feel like I can help them win early," Sanderson said. "I really like the whole staff, and think there's pieces to win now. I think I can be a guy that will help their best get good looks and make it easier for everyone else. I'm hoping to shoot it a lot better and become faster and stronger."

Coming in alongside Sanderson will be Miller, who was arguably one of the more slept-on players at the 5A level. The 6-foot-2 did a little bit of everything in helping lead Lebanon to the playoffs, averaging 16.5 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 3.4 assists, and he feels his best basketball is still in front of him at the college level at Chemekta.

"I liked how the coaching staff has a lot of confidence and belief in me and the players there having even more belief and encouragement and it being only 30 minutes makes it even better," Miller said. "With the play style of the program I am going to have to make fast decisions of the catch which is a lot like at Lebanon I think my role will be knocking down open shots and make strong moves to get to the rim and facilitate."

Our congratulations go out to Sanderson and Miller and their families on their commitments.