Small School Elite 8 – Week of February 4th
As the smaller schools get closer to wrapping up their regular seasons, we take a look at the Elite 8 teams in the state regardless of classification. 1. Seaside 4A 17-2 Last Week: Win vs…
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Continue ReadingAs the smaller schools get closer to wrapping up their regular seasons, we take a look at the Elite 8 teams in the state regardless of classification.
- 1. Seaside 4A 17-2 Last Week: Win vs Banks; Win at Astoria
The Seagulls took the inside track to the Cowapa League title with their 60-51 victory over Banks in front of a sold out gym. The two time defending champions appear to be getting better week after week. Seaside gets contributions from a variety of guys but senior guards Chase Januik & Payton Westerholm as well as junior wing Ryan Hague provide reliable scoring & experience.
2. Banks 4A 19-2 Last Week: Lost at Seaside; Win vs Tillamook
The Braves battled Seaside for 32 minutes on the road & proved that their Valentines Day rematch should be a great one. Junior wing Jacob Slifka & senior post Blake Gobel, who recently committed to Eastern Washington for football lead the way for Banks who is currently ranked #1 in the OSAA computer rankings.
3. Columbia Christian 2A 21-2 Last Week: Won at Neah-Kah-Nie; Won vs #5 Knappa; Won vs Vernonia
The Knights are a little hard to gauge, as they have made it through the hardest part of their schedule and don’t appear to face another legitimate challenge until the state tournament in Pendleton. Sophomore wing Ben Gregg continues to rack up high level D1 offers & interest, but the continued growth of 6’10 sophomore post Moritz Hartwich will be key to their state title repeat hopes.
4. Delasalle 3A 18-4 Last Week: Won vs Catlin Gabel; Won vs Westside Christian
The Knights continue to roll through the Lewis & Clark League with a convincing win over a talented (& healthy) Catlin team. Senior wing Kadeem Nelson leads the push for Delsalle which regularly plays 10 players in their aggressive pressure defensive system.
5. Western Christian 2A 23-1 Last Week: Won @ Colton; Won vs #6 Sheridan; Won @ Gervais
The Pioneers appear to be headed to a state championship rematch with Columbia Christian & last week did nothing to change our minds. A convincing win over a Top 10 Sheridan squad proved to be their toughest test. 6’4 2020 wing Payton Richardson continues to impress with his versatile game. The looming question is how will Western match up with the size & length of Columbia should that match up materialize.
6. Stayton 4A 15-3 Last Week: Win vs Philomath; Win at Newport
A solid week for the Eagles as they picked up a pair of wins over likely playoff teams that have both spent time ranked in the Top 10 this season. Stayton continues to batter under sized opponents with their outstanding senior post duo of 6’8 Caleb Anundi & 6’7 Riley Nichols.
7. Dayton 3A 19-4 Last Week: Win vs Blanchet; Win at Scio
The Pirates continue their quest for another league title with two easy wins last week. The senior trio of Braeden Nowlin, Lukas Findley, & Jaysen Howard continue to lead the way for Dayton who claimed the top spot in the OSAA rankings this week.
8. Santiam Christian 3A 20-2 Last week: Loss vs Pleasant Hill; Win at Creswell
A mixed bag for the Eagles last week as they split against the 2nd & 3rd best teams in their league. SC continues to find a way to win without injured senior wing Zach Baugher. Despite missing the Western Oregon commit, the Eagles have leaned on their size, 3 other starters over 6’5, to grind out victories.
Just Missed: Marshfield (4A), Toledo (2A), Oakland (2A)