The Race for Mt. Hood Conference Player of the Year
The Mt. Hood Conference has been the most competitive league in 6A all season, in terms of number of conference champ contenders. With only two games left for each squad, theoretically, four teams still have a shot to share the crown: Barlow, Central Catholic, Clackamas and Oregon City. It’s possible no Mt. Hood team will host a playoff game, but each of these teams are very solid and could easily win a game in the postseason.
It’s also an open field for league player of the year. Here are the players most likely to win the honor:
(Pictured: Teron Bradford and Isaac Amaral-Artharee are two of Mt. Hood’s best.)
Teron Bradford, Oregon City senior
The Pioneers have the highest OSAA ranking (No. 18) of any team in the Mt. Hood and Bradford’s importance cannot be overstated. A 6-foot point guard, Bradford is more important to his team than any of the Mt. Hood contenders. He is averaging 21.4 points, 2.8 assists and 7.4 rebounds for the Pioneers. To beat Oregon City, one must stop Bradford, but that’s easier said than done. The Pioneers are 15-7 (9-3) with wins over McNary, Barlow and two over Clackamas.
Cole Turner, Clackamas senior
The team with the most upside has to be the Cavaliers. Clackamas is the two-time defending league champs and boasts a veteran team led by Turner, a future Nevada wide receiver. The 6-foot-6 post has missed his frontcourt partner, athletic big Dane Agost, for much of the season, but he’s led his team to a 10-2 league record. He’s averaging 20 points per game, including 19 in a win over Central Catholic on Tuesday.
Isaac Amaral-Artharee, Central Catholic senior
Amaral-Artharee is the veteran scorer on a young, talented Rams team. He is a terrific three-point shooter, but can also penetrate, draw fouls and knock down free throws. Plus, he plays great perimeter defense. Central Catholic is 14-8 (9-3) and owns wins over rival Jesuit, Tigard and twice over Oregon City.
Jesse White, Barlow sophomore
The Bruins are one of the surprises in 6A this year. A year after going 5-9 in league play, Barlow is currently tied with Clackamas for first place in conference with a 10-2 record. White has been their most consistently productive player, averaging 17.5 points and 4.2 assists and is shooting 84 percent from the free throw line. He’s been helped by the likes of sophomore Evan Inglesby, senior Cole Edmonson and junior Dominic Jacoby. Whether or not the Bruins win the league this year (they play Clackamas on Friday), they have a terrific core to return next year.
(For more prep hoops coverage, follow @HayesGardner on Twitter.)