6A State Tournament: First Day Predictions
The 6A state tournament kicks off in Portland on Wednesday. It was pretty much “all chalk” as the top eight seeds advanced to the Chiles Center – but will the favorites continue to win? Here’s a look at how we…
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Continue ReadingThe 6A state tournament kicks off in Portland on Wednesday. It was pretty much “all chalk” as the top eight seeds advanced to the Chiles Center – but will the favorites continue to win? Here’s a look at how we see day one playing out.
#1 Lake Oswego vs. #8 Oregon City
These two teams are obviously very familiar with each other having already played twice this season with Lake Oswego winning both times. The Lakers are here after an easy first win over Franklin but then survived a nail-biter against Westview to finally put to rest the demons from missing state last year. Senior Josh Angle leads an incredibly deep and experienced LO squad that’s ready to prove their #1 ranking. Oregon City is a defensive minded team but does have some scoring in the backcourt with Andre Best and Corban Remsburg. The trouble is in the interior, especially if Pioneers senior Erich Nova gets into foul trouble. It’s not easy to beat a team three times in one season but if there’s a team that can do it, it’s the Lakers, especially if junior point guard Wayne McKinney is playing well. Prediction: Lake Oswego.
#4 Jesuit vs. #5 Central Catholic
The Holy War. It’s been a long time rivalry so given some of the other matchups, it only makes sense it happens on the first day of this year’s state tournament. Jesuit comes into state having won 10 of their last 11 games, but a few of them at the end – including the opening round win over Benson – have seemingly shown some chinks in their armor, especially if the outside shots aren’t falling. The Crusaders do have experienced seniors in Justin Bieker and Aiden Williams and their system can be tough to crack. Central Catholic on the other hand enters Chiles as arguably the hottest team in the state and they haven’t won by less than 20 points in their last five games. The Rams are a much different team than the one that lost to Jesuit back in December as Darius Gakwasi will be playing in this one (he was ill the first time) and forward Sataivior Ayilola is a much different player now than then. Central Catholic is on a roll and we see them pulling a mild upset in this one. Prediction: Central Catholic
#3 Jefferson vs. #6 Grant
Obviously it’s a shame that this game is happening on the first day of the tournament as many believe that this game should be the finals. But both teams just know that’s just how the cookie crumbles so they’ll just prepare for the game as scheduled. Grant cruised through the first two games of the post-season to get here and senior guard Aaron Deloney has played some incredible offensive basketball thus far. Jefferson has cruised on in as well with seniors Marcus Tsohonis and Keylin Vance leading the way. The two teams split their meetings so far this season, each one winning on their own home floor. But what may burn the most for Jefferson is the fact Grant beat them in the state title game last season and you can bet head coach Pat Strickland will have the Demos fired up for this one. It will be close – as it always is with these two teams – but look for Jefferson to come out ahead. Prediction: Jefferson.
#2 South Salem vs. #7 Tigard
The nightcap should be a fun game with some great matchups. Despite a loss in league play, South Salem has pretty much cruised through the season since taking some lumps in the Les Schwab Invitational. Star guard Jaden Nielsen-Skinner has made a case for himself as 6A Player of the Year and the supporting cast, notably Trey Galbraith and Treyden Harris, have really stepped up. Tigard is led by Stevie Schlabach and his supporting cast has provided great support on both ends as well. When it comes to this matchup, it seems like the Tigers are more battle tested – especially in close games. Tigard can run and score but can also grind out victories as needed. We actually see the pace trending more towards the latter which may just give the Tigers an advantage. What’s also on their side is the fact they will want revenge for their loss earlier this season to the Saxons. Prediction: Tigard.