Preseason League Previews: Southwest Conference
The Southwest Oregon Conference often times goes under the radar due to their geographic location, but the league has regularly had a team in the final 8 including two runner up finishes in the past five years. Coaches from throughout the league talked about the top to bottom depth as they enter the season.
2016-17 Season in Review:
North Medford won the league with an 11-1 conference mark on their way to an appearance at the Chiles Center. The Black Tornado were lead by 6’7 post Brad Allen, now at Western Oregon, and wing Kaison Faust. South Eugene and Sheldon finished 2nd and 3rd, although no team besides North Medford registered a playoff victory. South Eugene guard Jay Elmore averaged 19 points per game on his way to winning league MVP honors.
State Title Threats:
At this point, it doesn’t appear that any team in the conference is on the list of legitimate state title contenders. Sheldon with their collection of athletes and size appears to have the best chance of developing into that over the course of the season.
Potential Top 10:
South Eugene – When asked to describe the outlook for the season, longtime coach Dave Hancock replied “exciting”. The Axemen are excited about the mix of talent throughout the program and also the quality length that they can put on the floor. Leading the way for South is reigning league POY Jay Elmore. Elmore is arguably the best shooter in the state and put up some ridiculous shooting performances this summer on the AAU circuit. Expect him to take on more of the point guard duties this season. Hancock also expects big contributions from a pair of seniors who saw spot minutes last winter in Will Graves and Calvin Mitchell. Graves, a 6’4 wing who Hancock described as the most improved player on the team. The son of University of Oregon women’s coach Kelly Graves, has great length and can stretch the floor with his shooting ability. 6’8 sophomore post Aidan Clark is a returning starter garnering early college attention for his athleticism and shot blocking abilities. Hancock is confident that the combination of defensive length and perimeter shooting will allow his team to battle for a league title and make a run at a final 8 appearance at the Chiles Center.
Sheldon – The Irish appear to be the team with the best chance of matching up size wise and athletically with some of the elite teams in the Portland metro area. It remains to be seen whether they will be able to put together the new faces in a way that allows them to make a push for the Chiles Center. Leading the way will be 6’7 junior post Patrick Herbert. Herbert the younger brother of Oregon quarterback Justin Herbert is a physical presence that creates match up problems on the glass and around the basket. Highly skilled 6’8 post Dominic Mcgarvey moves up from the jv program with the potential to develop into a high level college prospect. Also back is a group of talented guards who bring a mix of skills and abilities to the table in seniors Jaren Banks, Zac Hankins, Anthony Luvert, and junior Uta Mageo. A group of athletic newcomers such as Devante Bailey, Willie Taggart, and Michael Johnson, the last two sons of Oregon football coaches, should add to the quality depth. To make a push at a league title, Sheldon must demonstrate the ability to handle the ball on the perimeter and consistently knock down open shots.
Play With Most:
North Medford – No program in the Southwest Oregon Conference has been more consistent over the last 8-10 years than the Black Tornado. Scott Plankenhorn‘s program has established itself with multiple trips to the Final 8 of the state tournament, all while producing players that have gone on to have successful college careers at local schools. Plankenhorn is optimistic about his group this season and it all starts with senior wing Kaison Faust. The 6’2 athlete is a physical presence on both ends of the floor and if he can consistently knock down perimeter jump shots, becomes almost impossible to guard. Also back for North are guards Oscar Banuelos and Quinton Rumrey who shot 40% from three last season. Plankenhorn also expects big contributions from three key newcomers, 6’6 post Eli Spence, 6’5 wing Garrett Parker, and transfer wing Jarey Thomas. The key for North Medford’s success will lie in their ability to make up for a lack of depth in the post. Utilizing their quickness on both ends of the floor will be key if North is to make another trip to the final eight.
Willamette – Limited information was provided by Willamette, but they do return several key players back from last season’s team that finished 6-6 in league before losing to eventual state champion Jefferson in the first round of the playoffs. Leading the way will be senior guard Seth Skeele and 6’5 senior forward Dylan Reichenberger.
In Transition:
Roseburg – The Indians look to improve on their two win league out put last season and have talented junior guard Colin Warmouth to help with that effort. Warmouth is one of the more under rated players in the 2019 class and is poised for a breakout season.
Grants Pass & South Medford – Both programs return 2nd year head coaches who are anxious to return their programs to the levels of success from the past after rough first seasons record wise.
League Prediction:
- South Eugene
- Sheldon
- North Medford
- Willamette
- Roseburg
- South Medford
- Grants Pass
Player of the Year:
Jay Elmore – South Eugene HS
In a league where the top 3 teams all have at least one stand out individual, the nod goes to the reigning MVP who is expected to handle more of the point guard duties this season.
Others to Watch: Patrick Herbert-Sheldon; Kaison Faust-North Medford; Colin Warmouth-Roseburg
Newcomer/Break Out Player:
Will Graves – South Eugene HS
Coming off a season where he averaged very limited minutes as junior, Graves is poised for a break out senior year. His ability to be Robin to Elmore’s Batman will be key to how far South Eugene can advance come March.
Best Point/Best Wing/Best Post:
Point Guard- Jay Elmore South Eugene
Wing-Kaison Faust North Medford
Post-Patrick Herbert Sheldon