Class 2A State Quarterfinal Preview & Predictions
The 2A Elite 8 tips off Thursday in Pendleton with Columbia Christian looking to repeat against a field featuring seven 20 win teams. Prep Hoops Oregon has you covered with the key match ups, players to watch, & predictions at…
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Continue ReadingThe 2A Elite 8 tips off Thursday in Pendleton with Columbia Christian looking to repeat against a field featuring seven 20 win teams. Prep Hoops Oregon has you covered with the key match ups, players to watch, & predictions at who will move on to Friday’s semifinal round.
Kennedy (20-7) vs Columbia Christian (26-2)
The Trojans make a return trip to eastern Oregon after making a similar drive to defeat Heppner on Friday night. Columbia Christian rolled to an easy victory over Union as they made the case that they are clearly the team to beat. If Kennedy is to have a chance against the defending champs, 6’6 forward Rocco Carley is going to have to carry a heavy load. The physical post also has the ability to step away from the basket & will likely have to do that against the talented front line from Columbia. The Knights feature one of the best players in the country in 2021 forward Ben Gregg. Backing him up is senior guard Dominic Blake and athletic wing Elijah Munyan a bouncy 6’3 wing.
Prediction: The Knights appear to have too much talent for Kennedy to handle. Look for the Trojans to slow the pace of the game, but in the end, Ben Gregg should get loose & lead Columbia to a relatively comfortable victory.
Knappa (20-8) vs Oakland (25-2)
The Loggers used home court advantage to easily defeat Coquille in the round of 16, while the Oakers did the same against Illinois Valley. Knappa enters with a first year head coach in Paul Isom, who has a state title under his belt as a player (2009), while Oakland has one of the winningest coaches in 2A in Jeff Clark who has won three state titles in his 20+ years on the sideline. Knappa features athletic senior guard Timber Engblom & 6’4 junior forward Eli Takalo, while Oakland spreads the scoring load out among a balanced roster lead by junior forward Colton Brownson.
Prediction: In what should be the closest game of the first round, we look for Knappa to pull off the slight upset against the physical style of Oakland. The game is essentially toss up & we see Knappa’s guard play making a few more plays down the stretch.
Santiam (22-7) vs Toledo (25-1)
Two contrasting styles will take the court tonight when the physical Wolverines take on the high scoring Boomers. Toledo features the state’s leading scorer in 6’1 guard Conner Marchant, a sharp shooting lefty. Complimenting him on the inside is 6’6 sophomore big man Jaxon Rozewski one of the best post players in 2A. Santiam features a defensive minded team that does thing by committee that is more comfortable with a game in the 40s or low 50s.
Prediction: This match up may present the biggest difference in terms of styles of play. Santiam prefers a grind it out game while Toledo looks to get up and down the court. Whichever team can get the pace to their favor will have a huge advantage. We anticipate Santiam slowing the game down to a degree, but in the end, Toledo has too much offensive talent & survives a scare in a game that goes down to the wire.
Lost River (18-8) vs Western Christian (26-1)
On paper, this appears to be a blow out in the making. Western the state runner up in 2018 returns virtually their entire roster to take on a Lost River team who struggled to win at home against a Sheridan team that the Pioneers easily defeated this year. Western features stand out guard play in junior Payton Richardson & senior Keaton Hull.
Prediction: We look for this one to be over early, Western Christian is simply too talented and experienced for a Lost River squad making the long trip to Pendelton.