Preseason League Preview Class 6A Three Rivers League
Our preseason league preview takes us to the class 6A Three Rivers League, historically one of the most competitive leagues in the state.
2016-17 Review:
West Linn captured its 4th straight league title by going 14-0 for the second consecutive season on there way to the state semifinals where they were upset by Clackamas. The Lions who ended up with the 3rd place trophy were the only team from the league to make the final 8. Tualatin junior Alexis Angeles used his solid play throughout the year to earn league POY honors.
State Championship Threat:
West Linn – The Lions have to be considered a legitimate threat to win their 5th state title in 6 years this season. The Lions feature recent OSU football commit Keishon Dawkins, a 6’6 240 lefty post as their first scoring option. Making West Linn’s offense even more explosive is a group of talented perimeter players including 2020 wings Michah Garrett and Bryson Crockett (#’s 1 & 3 in our class rankings), junior guards Drayton Caoile and Connor Zralka, and senior wing Jalen Thompson who recently picked up an offer from D2 Hawaii Hilo. If the Lions can defend and rebound effectively, the talent is there to be one of the highest scoring teams in state history.
Potential Top 10:
Tigard – The Tigers return several key pieces from their league runner up team from last season. Included in that mix is sharp shooting junior wing Stevie Schlabach who was the runner up in player of the year voting. Also back is versatile forward Austin Dufort, a 6’6 senior who rebounds and defends as well as anyone in the league. Expect Tigard to be their usual well coached, physical, defensive minded team.
Lake Oswego – The Lakers continue their quest to get back to their spot atop the league, a place they held for most of the first dozen years of the 2000s. Leading the way for Lake O. is senior wing JR Schilling, a 6’5 shooter who has improved dramatically in other areas of his game. Talented juniors in Josh Angle a 5’11 guard and 6’6 post Fred Harding will be key if the Lakers are to make their first trip to the state tourney since 2013.
Compete With Most:
Tualatin – With returning league POY Alexis Angeles, a talented 6’2 wing who can score in a variety of ways to go along with improving juniors Bridger Steppe and Caden Dickson, the TWolves should be competitive against just about anyone they face.
In Transition:
Sherwood – After a rough first year with the Bowmen, 2nd year coach Rahim Tufts is optimistic that his program will take the next step towards being able to compete regularly with the top teams in the 3 Rivers. Leading the way will be sophomore point guard Jamison Guerra, who took some lumps as a frosh but has displayed great work ethic to gain strength and improve as a player. Tufts also expects big contributions from Owen Grubbe and highly skilled junior Braden Thorn. If Sherwood can overcome a lack of size, Tufts is confident they will take that next step in their progression.
Lakeridge – The Pacers were considered a threat to push the top 2-3 teams in the league on a nightly basis up until about a month ago. That’s when the talented Allen brothers, 2018 wing Immanuel Allen and younger brother Christian Allen moved to Arizona. With them goes about 30+ points per game of production and the athleticism to match up with the best wing players in the area. Still though the cupboard is not bare for Lakeridge as they have a trio of undersized but talented guards in Jake Fedrizzi, Nima Viday, and sophomore Ethan McEachern. If the Pacers can develop some sort of post play and find a way to defend on the perimeter, they should be effective scoring the ball.
Newberg – The Tigers are looking to improve in their final season in the 3 Rivers and will look to 6’8 big man Jordan Rice to carry a big part of the scoring load.
Canby – Despite limited varsity experience, Craig Evans is encouraged about the prospects for this season. Wade Brewer an honorable mention all league performer last year returns to lead the team. Evans also expects contributions for newcomer Rizden Miller and a talented freshmen class.
League Predictions:
- West Linn
- Tigard
- Lake Oswego
- Tualatin
- Sherwood
- Lakeridge
- Canby
- Newberg
Player of the Year:
Keishon Dawkins – West Linn
The 6’6 post is by far the most dominant physical presence in the league. Combine this with a soft touch around the basket and West Linn’s style of play and Dawkins should put up numbers that will separate him from the rest of the league.
Others to Watch – Alexis Angeles, Tualatin; Stevie Schlabach, Tigard
Top Sleeper/Newcomer:
Fred Harding – Lake Oswego
The physical 6’6 post moves up from the jv ranks after a break out AAU season playing with Team FAST. For the Lakers to make a legit run at the Chiles Center, the big man is going to have to hold down the paint.
Others to Watch – Bryson Crockett, West Linn; Connor Zralka, West Linn
Best Point/Best Wing/Best Post:
Best Point Guard – Drayton Caoile, West Linn
Best Wing – Jalen Thompson, West Linn; Stevie Schlabach, Tigard; JR Schilling, Lake Oswego
Best Post – Keishon Dawkins, West Linn