6A Playoff First Round Predictions: Part II
The 6A Playoffs kick off on Tuesday night with first round games and we will take our best shot at predicting just who will advance to the second round. We continue with the games in the “C” and “D” brackets.…
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Continue ReadingThe 6A Playoffs kick off on Tuesday night with first round games and we will take our best shot at predicting just who will advance to the second round. We continue with the games in the “C” and “D” brackets.
Note: game days may be weather dependent; some games have already been delayed until Wednesday at press time
#30 Bend at #3 Jefferson (Wednesday)
This game looks like a mismatch on paper and in reality it is. Jefferson is on a mission to capture the state title that eluded them last season and the Demos have a roster loaded with talent top to bottom led by Marcus Tsohonis. Bend snuck into the post-season after an up and down year in 6A and while the Lava Bears have some size in Brian Warinner and Bryan Brown to battle Jefferson’s bigs Kamron Robinson and Nate Rawlins-Kibonge, but the pressure the Demos will put on will undoubtedly be too much in the end. It’s a long drive for a loss but Bend is happy to have made the post-season. Prediction: Jefferson
#19 Mountain View at #14 Southridge (Wednesday)
This is a matchup between two of the state’s most explosive guards in Mountain View senior Chase McClain and Southridge senior Brock Henry. It wouldn’t be surprising for both to put on a show and put up 30-plus points each. The difference will come with the supporting cast and the Skyhawks have the better one with grizzled veteran seniors led by all-league candidate Ben Pak. Southridge also has the size advantage and a great home court edge with The Pit. Prediction: Southridge
#22 Sprague at #11 Sherwood
After years of playing with a talented big man, Sprague went small by necessity this year and after some early struggles in league, started to find a groove in the Mountain Valley. Dynamic juniors Mason Lomax and Kobe Withers have been stalwart performers for first year head coach Jordan Graneto and the Olympians certainly seem like a team of the future. The same could be said for Sherwood, which is led by Pacific League POY candidate point guard Jamison Guerra and other talented young players. The Bowmen were clearly the class of the Pacific League and head coach Rahim Tufts’ squad has proven they can play with anybody. Despite the seed difference this game should be relatively close but Sherwood should have enough to pull this one out. Prediction: Sherwood
#27 Newberg at #6 Grant
Newberg has seemingly had two different teams this season – one with their full lineup including star senior Alex Jaczko, and one that’s injury riddled. When healthy, head coach Marc Brown’s team has proven itself to be one of the best in the Pacific and until their regular season finale loss to McMinnville, had won eight games in a row. Grant has been just as hot, with their only losses in 2019 to Lake Oswego and Jefferson, and led by state player of the year candidate Aaron Deloney the Generals feature what may be the most potent offense in the state. Newberg has an up-and-coming threat in Jack Chlumak but the Tigers don’t seem to have enough offense to keep up with Deloney, Ty Rankin, and company. Prediction: Grant
#26 Roseburg at #7 Tigard (Wednesday)
Initially picked for the cellar, Roseburg more than surpassed expectations – largely because of the presence of Collin Warmouth, who may be the state’s leading scorer. Tigard has its own big scorer in Stevie Schlabach, but the Tigers also have some other key contributors such as sophomore star Drew Carter and a number of other seniors. Roseburg has the size to contend but the truth of the matter is that they are a very poor road team – and that’s the battle they face against the Tigers. Prediction: Tigard
#23 Sheldon at #10 Barlow
Despite a loss to Sandy in the final game of the season and a couple to MHC leader Central Catholic, Barlow has proven itself as one of the top teams in the state – certainly offensively. The question will be, will Jesse White, Evan Inglesby and company defend enough to win? Sheldon has some tremendous size in Patrick Herbert and Dominic McGarvey and enters the post-season having won seven of their last eight. Barlow is a tough place to play though – just ask Jefferson – and the home court advantage along with their clear advantage in guard play should be what the Bruins need to move on. Prediction: Barlow
#18 Forest Grove at #15 West Linn
This game is extremely intriguing as it features a team that has perhaps exceeded expectations (Forest Grove) versus one that hasn’t quite met theirs (West Linn). The Vikings are led by dynamic point guard Guy Littlefield and a balanced offense that can score both inside and out, in the halfcourt and in transition. The Lions have battled through injuries and roster instability the second half of the regular season, and while they almost knocked off #1 Lake Oswego in the regular season finale, have lost three of their last four and six of their last nine. West Linn does have all of their star young players back, notably Micah Garrett, but this one seems to be ripe for an upset. Prediction: Forest Grove
#31 Roosevelt at #2 South Salem
To say that it’s been an up and down season for Roosevelt would be an understatement as head coach Yusuf Leary’s squad has certainly shown its youth all year long. But the Roughriders got it together at the end to win some important games, most notably the season finale against Cleveland to make it into the playoffs. While juniors Jayoni Moore and Malik Kelley are talented, it’s going to be hard to match up against South Salem which has been one of the hottest teams in 2019. Led by potential state player of the year Jaden Nielsen-Skinner (“Skinny”) and underrated guard Trey Galbraith it’s difficult to see the Saxons dropping an opening round game, especially at home. Prediction: South Salem