Class 6A League Previews: Greater Valley Conference
We pick back up with our preseason league previews today with our look at the class 6A Greater Valley Conference.
2016-17 Year in Review:
The league was ultra competitive with Sprague emerging as the league champ despite suffering 3 losses in conference play. This league balance and depth was one of the reasons that coaches around the state were surprised when only one team made it to the final 8 of the state tournament. This after a regular season that saw three teams (Sprague, West Salem, & Mcnary) finish in the Top 10 of the OSAA computer rankings. West Salem represented the conference at the Chiles Center where they would finish in 4th place. Sprague post Teagan Quitoriano was named league MVP for a season that saw him lead the state in both scoring & rebounding, a truly special accomplishment.
State Title Threat:
West Salem – One could argue this is a bit of a stretch, but it’s not out of the question for West to get hot offensively and ride that to three wins at the Chiles Center. The Titans have arguably the best scorer in the state of Oregon in Portland State bound Kyle Greeley. Greeley, a 6’4 wing has a knack for scoring the basketball in a variety of ways. Joining Greeley to form a talented offensive trio are seniors Tyke Thompson & Zac Bulgin. Thompson is a skilled 6’6 wing with deep range and Bulgin is a 6’2 wing that can also get hot from three. It remains to be seen if West can defend and rebound at a level that will let them compete with elite teams.
Potential Top 10:
Sprague – Long time coach Steve Masten returns to the sidelines for the Olys and is blessed with the leading scorer and rebounder in the state leading the way. Teagan Quitoriano, an Oregon football commit, creates match up problems on a nightly basis, especially in a league lacking in quality post play. Also returning for Sprague are talented guards Jailen Hammer, a 2019 wing and 2020 point Kobe Withers. Hammer provides an element of athleticism on the perimeter, while Withers is a steady hand that does a lot of little things well.
Play With Most:
South Salem – Arguably the most important position in basketball is the point guard and the Saxons possess arguably the best point guard in Oregon in Jaden Nielsen-Skinner, a 5’9 floor leader that is equally adept at creating for himself or teammates. Skinny recently picked up an offer from D1 Portland State of the Big Sky Conference. The Saxons might feature the best foursome of 6’0 and under players in the state with senior Gavin Baughman and Tyler Wadleigh and 2020 guard Trey Galbraith rounding out the back court. Most nights, the Saxons should be able to overcome their lack of front court talent and remain competitive.
Mcnary – Coming off a 3rd place league finish and a narrow loss to North Medford in the round of 16, head coach Ryan Kirch is optimistic entering his 7th year as head coach of the Celts. Leading the way will be senior wings Chandler Cavell and Lucas Garvey. Both are skilled players who were honorable mention all league last season and are garnering interest from smaller colleges. Boston Smith and Noah Hudkins are newcomers expected to make an impact.
Mcminnville – Head coach Willie Graham expects the Grizzlies to compete for a top 4 finish in league in his 14th season. Driving the Grizzlies on the floor is returning all league performer Aaron Baune. Baune a 6’5 post averaged 18 points and 10 rebounds per game as a junior. Also back for Mcminnville is talented two way wing Cooper Rich, and junior Parker Spence, a wing with good shooting range. Graham expects the 3-8 spots in the conference to be up for grabs and believes Baune and company should have his squad right in the mix.
Forest Grove – The Vikings lose sharp shooting wing Bailey Evers now playing at Linn Benton CC, but return two time all league point guard Kyle Thompson. Thompson is a high iq player that head coach Greg Evers has complete confidence in as a floor leader. The other returning veteran is senior guard Drake Littlefield, a scrappy do everything kind of player. Evers is also excited about the ability of his freshmen and sophomore classes and expects some of them to make an impact sooner than later. Look for the Vikings to play uptempo as usual while throwing a variety of different looks at their opponents to mask their lack of true size.
In Transition:
Mckay – The Royal Scots look to once again play at a frantic pace in an attempt to speed up the game. This has resulted in Mckay being one of the highest scoring teams in the state in recent years. This style makes them a threat to upset some of the more highly regarded teams in the conference.
West Albany – 3rd year head coach Derek Duman is optimistic that his Bulldog team can take a step towards the top half of the league race. Leading the way is senior Oreon Courtney, who is garnering interest from a variety of local colleges. Another key returner is senior Chase LaPerle who Duman believes to have all league potential. The Bulldogs also return junior guard Cassius McGinty, who impressed us with his play on the aau circuit last spring. Like many in the league, West Albany lacks size and will rely heavily on its guards to perform on both ends of the floor.
North Salem – 2nd year head coach Cameron McCormick continues with his rebuilding efforts at North Salem and has the Vikings focused on changing the culture of the program on the floor, in the classroom, and in their approach to how they deal with adversity. The Vikings skipper is excited to return his entire staff back from last year and build upon last year’s foundation. Look for North to employ an unorthodox style that regularly utilizes 9-10 players. Leading the way are juniors Rene Romero a post and Cris Davis an athletic defensive minded guard. Added to the mix is talented senior guard Nic Thomas, all of whom have the Vikings approaching the season with increased expectations.
League Prediction:
- West Salem
- Sprague
- South Salem
- Mcnary
- Mcminnville
- Forest Grove
- West Albany
- Mckay
- North Salem
New Faces:
Steve Masten – Sprague – Previously the head mens’ coach at Corban University.
Player of the Year:
Kyle Greeley – West Salem HS
In a league loaded with talented individual players, Greeley earns the nod. His ability to score in a variety of ways separates him from the pack.
Others to watch: Teagan Quitoriano-Sprague, Jaden Nielsen Skinner-South Salem, Kyle Thompson-Forest Grove, Aaron Baune-Mcminnville
Newcomer/Break Through Player:
Mason Lomax – Sprague HS
Developing 2020 guard has the potential to give Sprague the boost they need to repeat as league champs.
Best Point/Best Wing/Best Post:
Point Guard – Jaden Nielsen-Skinner
Wing – Kyle Greeley
Post – Teagan Quitoriano