5A Championship Preview
The top two seeds took care of business and advanced to the championship game of the 5A bracket, and with the state title on the horizon, both the Churchill Lancers and the Wilsonville Wildcats are both performing at a top…
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Continue ReadingThe top two seeds took care of business and advanced to the championship game of the 5A bracket, and with the state title on the horizon, both the Churchill Lancers and the Wilsonville Wildcats are both performing at a top level.
After a series of blowouts, the Lancers may be the hottest team in the state, but the Wildcats aren’t far behind, pulling off a hard-fought win over a gritty Silverton team in the semifinal.
The Matchup
No. 1 Churchill (23-4, 15-0 MWL)
The Lancers’ starting five is filled with offensive talent, but their fast-paced defense has caused opponents even more problems this postseason. Silas Bennion runs an exciting show on offense as the point man, and his lateral quickness and defensive awareness make him a two-way difference maker. Brian Goracke is one of the top scorers in 5A when he gets hot, and his gifted vertical leap makes him an elite rim protector as well. Junior guard Isaiah Wallace is an impressive two way player, and junior Evan Pia can also make an impact on the defensive end. Kaelan O’Neil rounds out the Lancers’ lethal starting lineup as an offensive minded four with the ability to shoot and finish at the rim. This talented bunch has come together quite nicely in its last few outings, and it may have the potential to blow out any team in the field. Samaje Morgan is Churchill’s most integral bench piece, and his quickness and ball handling are traits that can add to any team’s success.
No. 2 Wilsonville (26-2, 14-0 NOC)
Crafty playmaker Jack Roche and athletic stretch big Dakota Reber are the biggest difference makers for the Wildcats, who edged third-seeded Silverton in their semifinal behind 16 points and 10 rebounds from Reber himself. The 6-foot-5 senior’s presence will definitely be felt in the championship game, and his matchup with Churchill’s Goracke is definitely one to watch. The combination of Roche, Reber, and Gabe Reichle can shoot with the Lancers if they get hot. Smooth senior wing Zachary Rivers and post scorer Keegan Shivers add to the Wildcats’ talented starting lineup, but are they enough to outplay Churchill? A gritty defensive victory over Silverton certainly suggests that the Wildcats can play a slower paced game, and their experience across the board adds an advantage.
The Prediction: Churchill 74, Wilsonville 64
Both teams will start slow on such a big stage, with a relatively low scoring first half favoring Churchill. Wilsonville’s intensity will give them a spark in the third quarter to trim the Churchill lead heading into the final period of play. To open the fourth, a barrage of Lancer offense will put them up double digits. Although Wilsonville will hang around, they’ll be forced to foul late, and Churchill’s shooters will convert their free throws down the stretch to seal their first state title under Kelly Bokn.
(Photo: Leon Neuschwander)