Metro League Preview
We kick off our preseason previews by taking a look at the class 6A Metro League, where Southridge HS appears to be the favorite to win the first league title in school history.
2016-17 Review
Westview in Coach Pat Coons’ final year at the helm, stormed out to a great start in conference play, going undefeated through the first half of league play. Some minor injuries and the flu bug derailed the Wildcats a bit and allowed Beaverton to end the season as Metro League Champs with an impressive 15-1 record. Both Beaverton and Westview advanced to the state tournament, with Beaverton losing to eventual state champ Jefferson in the semifinals. Jesuit’s Cam Parker had a monster senior season to earn conference POY honors.
State Championship Threat
Southridge – Coach Phil Vesel enters his 12th season with the Skyhawks with arguably his most talented team. Southridge may possess the best balance of size and guard play in the entire state. Leading the way is 6’10 post Filip Fullerton, who has done nothing but improve since last season and recently committed to Portland State. The other imposing big is 6’7 senior forward Bradley Bickler who played sporadic minutes last season but is ready to have an impact using his length and athleticism (recent Oregon State football offer) in Southridge’s stingy 1-3-1 zone defense. On the perimeter, the Skyhawks boast a pair of talented 2019 guards in Brock Henry and Zach Galvin, both of whom saw big minutes last season. Added to that mix is 6’3 senior wing Bo Quinlan who grew up in the school’s boundary area but spent his first three seasons playing at class 2A Life Christian. Quinlan is one of the premier shooters in the state and will make it tough for teams to focus on their inside players. Southridge has all the pieces to make a deep run if they can be content with sacrificing some individual success for the betterment of the group.
Potential Top 10
Beaverton- The Beavers the defending Metro League Champions return Jake Estep, a talented 6’4 wing who recently committed to D2 Western Oregon, have the culture and defensive mind set that could find them back at the Chiles Center once again. Added to the mix is talented guard Sam Karlin, who played his freshman season at Sunset and has spent the last two years away from basketball. If the electric 6’0 senior is eligible, he gives the Beavers a scoring threat not many possess.
Jesuit-The old adage of a program never rebuilding but rather reloading holds true with the Crusaders. Several years removed from their dominant run of four consecutive state title featuring the likes of Steven Holt and Kyle Wiltjer (both fringe NBA players). However, that hasn’t stopped Gene Potter’s squad from racking up several 20 win seasons and state tournament appearances since then. Leading the way for Potter’s 26th year on the bench is 6’2 wing Matt Lang, one of the best shooters in Oregon. Also key for Jesuit is 6’4 forward Andrew Reid. If Jesuit can find a way to rebound and defend the post, expect their perimeter shooting and collective basketball IQ to give them a shot to make the tournament once again.
Compete With Most
Westview – The Wildcats may be the biggest unknown of the states established powers. Gone are all league guards Mason Elliot and Said Ali, both moving on to play collegiately. Also gone is a senior class that led the school to back to back trips to the Final 8 of the state tournament. In addition, the only coach in school history, Pat Coons, retired this off season after 20+ years at the helm. The good news for Wildcat fans is that the talent on 185th is always solid and the school hired longtime D1 assistant coach Mike Wolff to take over the program. Leading the way will be the lone returning starter, 6’10 senior post, Jack Poling, a lefty with a soft touch that continues to improve year after year. How quickly Westview’s inexperienced but talented players adjust to a new system will go a long way to determining how successful their season will be.
In Transition
The rest of the league is a little unsettled as teams either lost a ton of seniors or are non traditional powers that are welcoming new coaches.
Sunset – Coming off a 3-13 league record with only 4 returning lettermen, the Apollos are optimistic that they can make a push to qualify for the playoffs behind the play of point guard Tyler Sumner and talented junior post Will Reese. When healthy Sumner has the ability to be an all league caliber player who does a nice job of getting Sunset into their offense.
Century – The Jaguars lose 11 seniors from last season’s 5th place team that lost to state runner up Clackamas in the 1st round of the playoffs and will look to players with success albeit at the jv level to lead the way. The most intriguing of these prospects is Josh Walkenhorst a 6’10 post who showed signs of developing into a college level player during summer play. Seniors Brayden Johnson and junior Daniel Berger should also play key roles.
Glencoe – The Crimson Tide continues to rebuild their program after losing a big senior class in 2017. Sam Gerber is the only player back with significant varsity experience. Seniors Bryce Fornshell and Daniel Warner are coming off solid summers and will be looked to for leadership & scoring.
Aloha and Liberty round out the Metro League and both feature first year head coaches that inherit rosters with limited varsity experience.
League Predictions
- Southridge
- Beaverton
- Jesuit
- Westview
- Sunset
- Aloha
- Century
- Glencoe
- Liberty
New Faces on the Sidelines
Westview – Mike Wolf former University of Portland assistant.
Aloha – David Saultz former JV coach at Sunset HS
Liberty – Brian Martin former assistant coach at Liberty.
Player of the Year
Jake Estep – Beaverton HS
The talented 6’4 wing has emerged as one of the premier scorers in the state. The recent Western Oregon commit looks to build on a junior season that saw him garner much attention and recognition.
Others to watch: Matt Lang, Jesuit; Filip Fullerton, Southridge
Top Sleeper/Newcomer
Bo Quinlan – Southridge HS
The sharp shooting 6’3 wing transferred from Life Christian in the off season and may just be the final piece in getting Southridge their first Metro League title.
Others to watch: Sam Karlin, Beaverton; Will Reese, Sunset
Best Point Guard/Best Wing/Best Post
Best Point: Tyler Sumner – Sunset HS
Best Wing: Jake Estep – Beaverton HS
Best Post: Filip Fullerton – Southridge HS