2023-24 6A Preview – Mt Hood Conference

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 2023-24 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 features not one but two teams fully capable of winning the state championship. Here's how we see it turning out.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>League Predictions</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list {"ordered":true} --> <ol><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Central Catholic</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Barlow</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Gresham</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Sandy</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Nelson</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Clackamas</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>David Douglas</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Reynolds</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ol> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Player of the Year</strong>: [player_tooltip player_id='1276625' first='Jalen' last='Atkins'], Barlow</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>All-League Predictions</strong>: Atkins; RJ Alexander, Gresham; [player_tooltip player_id='1276626' first='Isaac' last='Carr'], Central Catholic; [player_tooltip player_id='1744015' first='Marcos' last='Ramirez'], Sandy; [player_tooltip player_id='1110583' first='Marley' last='Zeller'], Central Catholic</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top Sleeper/Newcomer</strong>: [player_tooltip player_id='2026057' first='Braylon' last='Gaines'], Nelson</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>State Tournament Threats</strong>: Central Catholic, Barlow</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Other Post-Season Teams</strong>: Gresham, Sandy, Nelson</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Analysis</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It was quite the scene in the gym at Central Catholic this fall as college coaches flocked to campus to watch the Rams work out. Head coach David Blue was certainly grateful for the attention, but in the end, he would be the first to tell you it has to lead to wins. There's no question the Rams have the talent to get it done and in a big way, and as a result, are the favorites to win not only the Mt Hood Conference title but also the state tournament. Heading the charge will be two Division I recruits in senior [player_tooltip player_id='1110583' first='Marley' last='Zeller'] (16.0 ppg, 4.9 rpg) and junior [player_tooltip player_id='1276626' first='Isaac' last='Carr'] (15.7 ppg, 3.7 rpg, .397 3pt%). Zeller, who signed with Pepperdine, was one of the biggest stock risers this off-season as he emerged as a deadly offensive force - something that could also be said for Carr, who made an early commitment to Oregon. Both are worthy of All-State and possible 6A Player of the Year talk. If that wasn't enough, the Rams have more on their roster. The Paschal brothers, [player_tooltip player_id='1368247' first='Duce' last='Paschal'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1582928' first='Bam' last='Paschal'] (8.9 ppg, 4.9 rpg, 2.6 apg), add athleticism to the wing and guard positions respectively and steady and criminally underrated senior [player_tooltip player_id='1268438' first='Tony' last='Angelo'] (5.4 ppg, 2.5 rpg, 4.2 apg) will lead the attack from the point. The bench is deep and honestly, there's not much Central Catholic lacks when you look at the teams capable of cutting down the nets in March.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>If there's one team that could really mess with any possible Rams coronation, it's Barlow. Offensively, the Bruins are extremely dangerous and it all starts with returning league player of the year and First Team All-State honoree [player_tooltip player_id='1276625' first='Jalen' last='Atkins'] (23.4 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 3.5 apg, .861 ft%). The junior can score at all three levels and this season will get things rolling as the team's lead guard. Fellow junior [player_tooltip player_id='1368245' first='Mason' last='Bierbrauer'] (15.5 ppg, 5.2 rpg) will use his athleticism and skills to get buckets both inside and out and he'll be a key guy with his ability to rebound and defend bigger players. The third member of Barlow's "Lethal Weapon 3" is junior [player_tooltip player_id='1387877' first='Brayden' last='Barron'] (0.8 ppg) who could easily put up 20x his scoring average from last season. At 6-foot-6, long, and athletic with emerging ball skills, he is arguably the best college recruit out of the three. Surrounding this trio will be a host of classic Bruin role guys, willing to do the dirty work of hustling, rebounding, and defending. Look for consistent contributions from [player_tooltip player_id='2115279' first='Cole' last='Patrick'] (2.6 ppg, 1.6 apg), [player_tooltip player_id='1611707' first='Blake' last='Hills'] (0.2 ppg), and <strong>Sentori Martino</strong> (1.7 ppg) in these categories. It's incredible how head coach Tom Johnson has yet to claim a state title but this squad could represent his best chance yet.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It was a historic year for Gresham in 2022-23 as the Gophers made it to the state tournament and came away with a 4th place trophy. It would be easy to think it's a rebuild in store for the Gophers - after all, four seniors are now playing college ball including all-time great Esyah Pippa-White (22.4 ppg, 8.2 rpg, 5.4 apg). But the truth is head coach [player_tooltip player_id='2427510' first='Corey' last='Lockhart'] is simply reloading. Two senior starters from last year return from last year's team, with RJ Alexander (13.8 ppg, 3.3 rpg, .450 3pt%) ready to take on more of the offensive load with his smooth lefty shooting stroke and big man [player_tooltip player_id='1495285' first='Nate' last='Gilkey'] (5.7 ppg, 5.1 rpg, 1.8 bpg, .633 fg%) all set to hold down the fort in the paint on both ends. Both worked on expanding their games during the off-season with great success. Ready to elevate themselves into bigger roles are the Artharee brothers, junior [player_tooltip player_id='1368248' first='Khaled' last='Artharee'] (1.0 ppg, 0.3 rpg) and sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='1653212' first='Kareem' last='Artharee'] and both are great athletes who will compete with anybody. <strong>Jamierre Phillips</strong> (1.5 ppg, 0.7 apg) will settle into the point guard spot and you can expect Gresham to push the tempo and really look to fully utilize what will be their advantage in speed and athleticism most nights.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Don't sleep on Sandy. Head coach Paul Henderson has quietly built up the Pioneers program since he took over a few years ago and they're going to surprise some folks this season as they have senior leadership, length, and athleticism. Running things at the point will be senior [player_tooltip player_id='1744015' first='Marcos' last='Ramirez'] (15.7 ppg, 3.7 rpg, 4.9 apg, .894 ft%) who's one of the best players around you may not have heard of. He's a solid scorer and distributor who really makes things go. If you discount his 5-foot-11 frame, the rest of the starting lineup averages around 6-foot-6. In the middle is 6-foot-9 junior [player_tooltip player_id='1751485' first='Jacob' last='Brown'] (7.8 ppg, 4.8 rpg), another hidden talent ready to break out this season. He's long, lanky, runs the floor well, and can knock down perimeter shots. Seniors [player_tooltip player_id='1953760' first='Hunter' last='Dunham'] (5.8 ppg, 2.7 rpg) and [player_tooltip player_id='2231921' first='Carson' last='Reilley'] (5.5 ppg, 3.3 rpg) measure 6-foot-7 and 6-foot-6 respectively and both can score both in the halfcourt and in transition. Ethan Schmidt projects as the fifth starter and Henderson is hopeful he gets meaningful play from the bench.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Nelson is a team where youth will be served. Head coach Daniel Blanks returns to the school where he once was an assistant and is ready to run with his young bucks. Although they're only freshmen, [player_tooltip player_id='2026057' first='Braylon' last='Gaines'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2026060' first='Jaydon' last='Schregardus'] will be the starting backcourt and they already have instant chemistry having grown up playing with one another since they were little. Gaines will run the point while Schregardus will wreak havoc with his shooting. Last year's leading scorer [player_tooltip player_id='1517891' first='Sam' last='Lewis'] (12.6 ppg, 2.3 rpg) is back and the senior wing should be a dependable offensive option at multiple levels. There's decent size with 6-foot-6 soph <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2469344' first='Zaden' last='Richardson']</strong> and 6-foot-4 junior<strong> Lukas Jordan</strong> and while the Hawks are certainly a team of the future, they are talented enough to win some games now.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With the number of losses due to graduation, it's going to be a rebuild at Clackamas but head coach Ryan King feels he's got a solid group of kids that will compete hard. Senior guard [player_tooltip player_id='2213890' first='Peter' last='An'] (5.8 ppg in 9 games) is one of the lone varsity returnees and he'll be heavily counted upon for his deadeye outside shooting as well as his leadership. Senior <strong>Keimar Mitchell</strong> (2.0 ppg, 1.8 rpg) and juniors <strong>Max Maehara</strong> (1.2 ppg, 1.6 rpg) and <strong>Seyi Babututee</strong> (0.5 ppg) got some spot action last year but will have elevated roles in 2023-24. Freshman [player_tooltip player_id='2026062' first='RJ' last='Barhoum'] represents the future for the Cavs and with his ability to shoot the basketball, don't be surprised to see him leading the team in scoring on some nights. Clackamas wil lack size but they certainly won't be short of hustle and desire.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Along with Johnson at Barlow, head coach Chad Reeves is one of the OGs of the Mt Hood Conference and year after year he gets the most out of what he has on the roster. This year's squad may lack proven performers and experience but has the athleticism and work ethic to improve. Senior [player_tooltip player_id='2324444' first='Lincoln' last='Satterthwaite'] (7.6 ppg, 2.2 rpg) is the top guy back and if he improves as much as older brother Drew did last year, watch out. He's a guy who will be counted on to make shots. A couple of other seniors who will get heavy minutes are [player_tooltip player_id='1943663' first='Omar' last='Kassim'] (4.0 ppg, 2.0 apg) and <strong>Vitaly Sergeychuk</strong> (3.8 ppg, 3.6 rpg). Both are good athletes and Sergeychuk in particular is a high flyer that plays above the rim. Don't be surprised by the end of the year if the Scots are pulling off some upsets.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Rounding out the standings as usual the past few seasons is Reynolds but the truth of the matter is the Raiders may be better than they have been in a while. Head coach Terrance Dickens once again has a squad that is going to rely on their younger players, in this year's case junior guard [player_tooltip player_id='1711765' first='Aaron' last='Chao'], a good shooter from distance, and 6-foot-6 sophomore big man [player_tooltip player_id='1671255' first='Eddie' last='Szabatin'], who has the opportunity to be one of the most improved players in the conference. Junior <strong>Delphin Bizimana</strong> provides quickness at the point and look for senior guard <strong>Michael Gray</strong> to take on the reins of leadership.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->