6A Playoff Second Round Predictions
Finally after some weather-delayed first round games were played on Thursday night, we are on to the second round of the OSAA 6A Playoffs and now it’s put-up-or-shut-up time — these games determine who will be playing in the state…
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Continue ReadingFinally after some weather-delayed first round games were played on Thursday night, we are on to the second round of the OSAA 6A Playoffs and now it’s put-up-or-shut-up time — these games determine who will be playing in the state tournament at the Chiles Center next week. Here’s our predictions on how it will play out.
#17 Westview at #1 Lake Oswego
This game promises to be a great matchup between two former University of Portland staffers in head coaches Michael Wolf and Marshall Cho. Westview looked impressive in dismissing West Salem in the first round and Lake Oswego ran all over Franklin. Expect to see all sorts of offensive and defensive adjustments in this game. Can Westview slow down the Lakers ball movement, take away the dribble of Wayne McKinney, and lock down on Josh Angle? Can Wildcats guard Kobe Newton get hot and some of the other young players step up? It seems like Westview has more questions to answer than Lake Oswego does and with the home court edge and added motivation to make up for last season, we see the Lakers moving on. Prediction: Lake Oswego
#9 South Eugene at #8 Oregon City
South Eugene had to wait two days to host McNary – and win – and now has to turn right around to play at Oregon City which has been resting since its Tuesday night victory over Gresham. The key to this game could come down to South Eugene’s advantage down low with junior big man Aidan Clark and active foward Josh Paul. Oregon City will certainly defend – as they have all year long – and expect the game to be low scoring. Erich Nova will do his best for the Pioneers in the paint on both ends, but in the end it seems like the Axe will have too much. Prediction: South Eugene
#21 Sandy at #5 Central Catholic
Sandy had an impressive effort in their first round win over Tualatin and Central Catholic outlasted Beaverton and cruised to victory. Now the Pioneers and Rams meet for the third time this season and while the old adage goes it’s hard to beat the same team three times in one year, the results haven’t been promising for Sandy especially with Central Catholic’s last win was by almost 50 points. Darius Gakwasi, Deray Seamster, Sataivior Ayilola and company are focused on making it to state and while the likes of Colton Gorski and Pierce Roeder will keep things closer than last time, the Rams should come away victorious. Prediction: Central Catholic
#20 North Medford at #4 Jesuit
North Medford pulled off one of the bigger upsets in the first round with their comeback thriller over Sunset on the road. Now they come into familiar territory as they lost to Jesuit on the road in the post-season last season. But head coach Scott Plankenhorn is ready and actually wanted to play on back-to-back nights instead of waiting a day to face the Crusaders. Athletic combo guard Jaray Thomas will be a tough matchup for Jesuit and the Black Tornado have the size advantage with guys like Jett Carpenter and Garrett Parker. Jesuit has struggled with their shooting in recent games but there can only be so many times until the likes of Aidan Williams and Justin Bieker really get on a roll. And with head coach Gene Potter at the helm, it’s hard to conceive them losing at home again this year. Prediction: Jesuit
#14 Southridge at #3 Jefferson (Saturday)
Both Southridge and Jefferson had to wait a couple of days to play their first game as both of their opponents were stuck at home in Bend. While Southridge gutted out a tough win over Mountain View, Jefferson cruised to victory over Bend. Southridge will once again count on senior guards Brock Henry and Ben Pak, both of whom had good games against the Cougars. But now they go up against the most talented roster in the state led by Washington signee Marcus Tsohonis, and the Democrats will have the distinct size advantage inside with big men Kamron Robinson and Nate Rawlins-Kibonge. Look for the Skyhawks to keep it close for awhile but in the end, Jefferson is simply too deep and athletic to not end up winning by double digits. Prediction: Jefferson
#11 Sherwood at #6 Grant
Sherwood has had an unbelievable year having dominated the Pacific Conference and they were sharp in their first round win over Sprague. Grant completely dismantled Newberg in their opening game with Vermont signee Aaron Deloney going off for 44 points in what was a visually stunning performance. The Bowmen have some weapons with Pacific League MVP Jamison Guerra at the point and a squad filled with guys who can contribute. But Grant’s speed and quickness is unlike anything Sherwood has really seen since Eastside Catholic in the Les Schwab Invitational “The Eight” and if the Generals are hitting from the outside, this one could get out of hand quickly. Prediction: Grant
#10 Barlow at #7 Tigard (Saturday)
This game may be the most competitive in the second round between what seemingly are two very well matched teams from a personnel standpoint. Barlow has their top backcourt duo of Jesse White and Evan Inglesby while Tigard has their own sharpshooting tandem of Stevie Schlabach and Drew Carter. The key will reside in how the pace turns out. Will the Bruins get it going from the outside and speed the game up or will Tigard exude their physicality and keep it at more of a deliberate pace? This one is almost too close to call but the Tigers are playing at home and that may end up being the overriding factor. Prediction: Tigard
#15 West Linn at #2 South Salem
This may not be your older brother’s West Linn team but the Lions are still hanging around and fighting hard after an inspired win over Forest Grove in the first round. West Linn was able to do so without the services of star guard Micah Garrett who injured his ankle early and his status for tonight game is unknown at press time. South Salem on the other hand, ran roughshod over Roosevelt in their first game as Portland State signee Jaden Nielsen-Skinner and his backcourt partner in crime Trey Galbraith simply toyed with their opponent. Perhaps prognostications provoke the proverbial Lion(s) into a potentially prosperous performance on Friday night, but while we think the game will be close, it’s hard to see one of the all-time best from Salem in “Skinny” not returning to the state tournament for one more run. Prediction: South Salem