5A State Tournament: First Day Predictions
The 5A state tournament kicks off in Corvallis on Wednesday. Six of the top eight teams in the rankings made the field and the matchups promise to be competitive. Here’s a look at how we see day one playing out.…
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Continue ReadingThe 5A state tournament kicks off in Corvallis on Wednesday. Six of the top eight teams in the rankings made the field and the matchups promise to be competitive. Here’s a look at how we see day one playing out.
#1 Churchill vs. #9 La Salle Prep
Churchill got to state by topping 100 ponits and cruising past The Dalles. The Lancers have an incredibly talented group of juniors led by Brian Goracke and Silas Bennion and are the odds on favorite to win their first state title under head coach Kelly Bokn. La Salle has played well late this year and are led by senior Jace Norton, but the Falcons don’t have enough depth to keep up with Churchill. Prediction: Churchill
#4 Willamette vs. #5 Thurston
This game is easily the biggest tossup in the first round. Willamette won the only matchup between the two schools in MWL play, 63-59, as the second matchup between the two schools was canceled due to the recently snowstorm. Both teams have good senior guards as Willamette features versatile Owen Cross and Thurston has the ultra-athletic Isaac Lange. But what the Colts have that Willamette doesn’t is some size in Mason Miller and that may indeed be the difference. Prediction: Thurston
#3 Silverton vs. #6 Crater
This matchup appears to be one where you have a balanced team (Silverton) against one with the star player (Crater). Silverton has won 11 games in a row and really hasn’t been seriously challenged in quite some time. The Silver Foxes have several guys who can score big, led by junior guard David Gonzales. Nathan Bittle is the headliner for Crater but the Comets aren’t just a one man team as they have some others who play key roles. Overall it seems that Silverton has the talent and depth to have the better chance to move on. Prediction: Silverton
#2 Wilsonville vs. #10 Pendleton
Wilsonville is one of the few teams in the state at any level who have yet to lose in 2019 and they actually haven’t lost to a team from Oregon. The Wildcats have a balanced attack led by point guard Jack Roche and athletic forward Dakota Reber. The only team that seemingly gave Wilsonville a challenge has been Parkrose, and Pendleton is the team that eliminated them to reach state. The Buckaroos have high-scoring Tyler Newsom and sophomore shooter Dakota Sams, but overall Wilsonville should not be denied. Prediction: Wilsonville