Preseason League Preview Class 6A Mt. Hood Conference
We kick off the week by taking a look at the class 6A Mt. Hood Conference, which has proven to be deep with talent the last few years.
2016-17 Review:
Clackamas was the dominant program, running the table with a perfect 14-0 record on their way to consecutive league title. The Cavs pulled off the upset of the state tournament in their semifinal win over West Linn and then gave nationally ranked Jefferson all they could handle in the state title game to finish 2nd. Electric scoring point guard Elijah Gonzales was recognized as both league and state POY before accepting a scholarship to D1 St. Peters later in the spring.
State Title Threat:
At this point and time, it doesn’t appear that any team from the conference has all the pieces in place to make a run at a state title in March.
Potential Top 10:
The two programs with the best chance of being a Top 10 group and advancing to the Elite 8 at the Chiles Center appear to be Clackamas and Central Catholic.
Clackamas – The Cavs lose a ton, including the before mentioned Gonzales, 6’9 post Matt O’brien (D2 Simon Fraser), sharp shooting guard Hunter Croyle, and head coach Ryan King (family time). However, they appear to have the size and athleticism in place to make a run at a return trip to the Chiles. New head coach Cameron Mitchell inherits a roster that includes 6’7 post Dane Agost who is rapidly improving and garnering significant college interest and Cole Turner, an electric 6’6 wing who is one of the best WR prospects on the west coast and a tremendous all around basketball player.
Central Catholic – Some may dismiss the Rams’ chances of making the state tournament due to a perceived lack of experience. Their roster though is stocked with talented young players that should continue to improve as the season progresses. If they can gel and mature quickly, a league title and a trip to the Chiles Center aren’t out of the question. Leading the way for Central is senior combo guard Isaac Amaral Artharee, a talented scorer would will be asked provide scoring, leadership, and perimeter defense. Other key pieces include senior Chase Faris, junior Jalen Lowry, and sophomore Deray Seamster an explosive scorer with a bright future.
Compete With Most:
Barlow – Tom Johnson, the longest tenured coach in the class 6A ranks, enters his 32nd year in charge of the Bruins and is fortunate enough to have 6’1 point guard Jesse White leading his offense. The dynamic White who was ranked as the #2 player in our 2020 rankings is coming off a freshmen season where he averaged 12 points & 3 assists per game. Also back for Barlow and expected to play key roles are seniors Austin Forrar (7 ppg) and Cole Edmonson (9 ppg), as well as junior Dominic Jacoby (7 ppg 5rpg). How well the undersized Bruins compete on a nightly basis will depend on how well they can defend the paint and rebound. Address those two areas of concern and White and company should battle for the 3rd playoff spot in the conference.
Oregon City – The Pioneers return arguably the most experience player in the league in guard Teron Bradford, who brings multiple years of varsity experience to the mix. The 6’0 Bradford is also a standout on the gridiron and has an improving offensive game to go with lock down perimeter defensive abilities. Oregon City returns limited varsity experience beyond Bradford and is hoping to be playing their best basketball come February.
David Douglas – Bless Kinga and Abdi Dahir a pair of 6’4 senior forwards are the key returners for a Scots team that finished 2nd in the league last season before losing to Clackamas in the round of 16.
In Transition:
Centennial – John Poetsch who coached the Eagles for most of the 2000s returns to the bench to attempt to create some stability that has been lacking since he left for Reynolds. Helping him make on the floor is David Kudna an under the radar senior wing who Poetsch thinks has the ability to earn all league recognition this year. Poetsch expects the Eagles to improve during the course of the season but acknowledged that his inexperienced bunch will have to play a nearly perfect game to compete with the top two teams in the league.
Reynolds & Gresham – The Raiders and Gophers both return rosters with limited varsity minutes as they look to improve and work their way to earning an at large bid into the OSAA state playoffs.
League Prediction:
- Clackamas
- Central Catholic
- Barlow
- David Douglas
- Oregon City
- Centennial
- Reynolds
- Gresham
New Faces on the Sidelines:
Clackamas – Cameron Mitchell – former Whitworth University assistant coach
Centennial – John Poetsch – former head coach at Reynolds HS & Centennial HS
Player of the Year:
Isaac Amaral Artharee – Central Catholic
The talented combo guard will be given the freedom to produce for the Rams. Coming off a great summer on the AAU circuit, where he proved to be a tough match up for elite guards and repeatedly made big shot after big shot.
Others to watch – Teron Bradford, Oregon City; Jesse White, Barlow; Cole Turner, Clackamas
Top Sleeper/Newcomer:
Deray Seamster – Central Catholic
Explosive scorer who will be called on to contribute a significant amount for the Rams.
Best Point/Best Wing/Best Post
Best Point Guard: Jesse White – Barlow
Best Wing: Isaac Amaral Artharee – Central Catholic
Best Post: Dane Agost – Clackamas