Way Too Early 6A Top 10
As the high school summer league wraps up and players move on to their respective AAU teams, we take a crack at an early Top 10 list for the 6A classification.
1. Jefferson HS
The defending state champs return several key pieces from their title team including 2018 national recruit Kamaka Hepa and 2019 combo guard Marcus Tshonis who holds multiple D1 offers. They have also added 2018 post Khalil Chatman who has verbally committed to play for The University of Detroit and transferred from league rival Franklin.
2. Southridge HS
The Metro League favorite features one of the biggest front courts in the state in 2018 posts Filip Fullerton and Bradley Bickler. Fullerton who stands 6’8 has worked hard in the offseason to change his body, while the 6’7 Bickler brings the athletic ability and versatility that make him the starting QB for Southridge’s football team. 2019 guard Zach Galvin and Life Christian transfer Bo Quinlan, a 6’3 shooter add to a talented roster.
3. West Linn HS
It may take a little time, but we feel like West Linn will make another deep run at their 5th state title in 6 years next season. While they don’t feature they depth of veteran talent they have had in recent years, they do have a nice mix of returning starters and young guys ready to go. 6’3 senior wing Jaylen Thompson is arguably the best shooter in the state. 6’6 senior post Kieshon Dawkins is a match up nightmare inside for most teams. Returning guards Drayton Caoile a 6’0 2019 point guard and 2020 wing Micah Garrett form a talented back court. Add to the mix transfers Connor Zralka and Bryson Crockett and the Lions will have a wealth of perimeter talent to choose from.
4. Grant HS
The Generals return nearly the entire roster from their state tournament team of a year ago. 6’8 senior Kelton Samore heads into July with multiple D1 offers and is supported by talented 2019 guards Ty Rankin and Aaron Deloney. All 3 of these players have picked up valuable experience playing for Portland Basketball Club in the off season. The Generals have also added talented senior forward Darius Guinn, a Montana commit who transferred from Lakeridge.
5. West Salem HS
The Titans should be one of the more talented offensive teams in the state next season. Featuring returning all state performer Kyle Greeley to go along with talented wings in senior Tyke Thompson and junior Zach Bulgin. It remains to be seen if West can defend and rebound at a level needed to crack our top 4.
6. Clackamas HS
The Cavs lose a ton from their state runner up squad including state POY Elijah Gonzalez. However they return some nice pieces like 2018 post Dane Agost and should once again be in the mix for a trip to the state tournament.
7. Lincoln HS
The top third of the PIL promises to be very interesting next season and expect the Cardinals to be in the thick of things. Lead by talented 6’4 senior guard Bryce Sloan and productive 6’6 senior post Aidan Anastas, Lincoln should be in position to find themselves at the Chiles Center in March.
8. Tigard HS
The Tigers overachieved in many people’s mind last year on their way to a 2nd place finish in the Three Rivers League. With returning all 1st team all league player Stevie Schlabach and Austin Dufort a talented 6’6 senior post leading the way, Tigard is poised to challenge West Linn for a league title.
9. South Eugene HS
South returns league player of the year Jay Elmore, an under rated combo guard who averaged nearly 20 points a game last season. Highly regard 2020 post Aidan Clark continues to develop and should take a big step forward towards being an elite level player this season.
10. Jesuit HS
Although the talent level is down from recent years, Jesuit is still very well coached, execute their stuff, shoot the ball well, and make you defend multiple tough actions throughout their offense. Senior wing Matt Lang is one of the best shooters in the state and we expect Coach Gene Potter to put enough pieces around Lang to make the Crusaders a contender into March.
Others to Watch: Central Catholic, Sprague, Beaverton, South Salem, Lake Oswego, Lakeridge