5A Playoffs: First Round Predictions (Part One)
The 5A postseason is upon us, and 16 teams across the state are preparing to fight for a trip to Gill Coliseum in Corvallis. Headlining the field is a combination of established powerhouses and eager newcomers, both of whom have…
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Continue ReadingThe 5A postseason is upon us, and 16 teams across the state are preparing to fight for a trip to Gill Coliseum in Corvallis. Headlining the field is a combination of established powerhouses and eager newcomers, both of whom have their sights set on a state championship.
Here’s part one of our first round predictions:
#16 Crescent Valley @ #1 Churchill
After a dominant regular season campaign, the Lancers’ first round match-up should serve as no more than a tuneup for the state tournament in Corvallis. Elite facilitator Silas Bennion Silas Bennion 5'9" | PG Churchill | 2020 State OR will run the show at point, and Churchill’s abundance of weapons should have no trouble outing the likes of Wes Raab and Justin Hamilton Justin Hamilton 6'6" | PF Crescent Valley | 2021 State OR . Look out for deep-range deadeye Isaiah Wallace Isaiah Wallace 6'2" | CG Churchill | 2020 State OR to hit some big shots to build the Lancer lead early. Prediction: Churchill, 88-48
#9 Milwaukie @ #8 Crook County
The Intermountain Conference co-champions will look to advance to Gill Coliseum for the first time in recent memory behind their great size. Caleb Arnold should be the best frontcourt player in the matchup, but Milwaukie’s depth and athleticism at the guard position will still cause issues for the history-writing Cowboys. Expect the Mustangs to pull away late behind the offensive prowess of Colton Corder. Prediction: Milwaukie, 71-65
#12 Springfield @ #5 West Albany
Trey Bryant Trey Bryant 6'0" | CG Springfield | 2021 State OR and the Millers finished fourth in the toughest 5A league, and although they face a talented opponent in the first round, they should keep things close throughout. Marcel Hill and Anthony Hill complete a great defensive backcourt that should keep the Millers in the game. Nonetheless, TJ Zimmerman will come up big as a paint presence for West, and the Bulldogs should move on in a tight one. Prediction: West Albany, 54-50
#13 Corvallis @ #4 Wilsonville
Although Jasper Reinalda Jasper Reinalda 7'2" | C Corvallis | 2020 State OR will get his fair share of rebounds and buckets for the Spartans inside, Wilsonville remains too talented to take out in the first round. Led by an elite senior class, the Wildcats are obviously among the state title favorites. Gabe Reichle Gabe Reichle 6'1" | CG Wilsonville | 2020 State OR will be dominant as a crafty playmaker, and Dakota Reber Dakota Reber 6'6" | SF Wilsonville | 2020 State OR should have some highlight plays as the Wildcats run away with this one in the second half. Prediction: Wilsonville, 67-49