Previewing this week’s biggest games
What’s going on this week? Which matchups are the most intriguing? As teams position themselves in league standings, here is what stands out:
South Albany (11-3) at Silverton (12-1), Tuesday at 7 p.m.
Two top 5A teams meet at Silverton, whose only loss this season came to Mater Dei (CA). The Foxes boast 6-foot-5 senior scorer Cade Roth, 6-foot-4 post Levi Nielsen and tremendous sophomore point guard David Gonzales. South Albany will be led by four-year starter Jaden Guilford and 6-foot-3 forward Jake Costello. The winner will take sole possession of first place in the Mid-Willamette Conference.
Prediction: Silverton
Southridge (13-3) at Westview (10-6), Tuesday at 7:15 p.m.
The Skyhawks might be the best team in the Metro League, but that doesn’t make them unstoppable. Their lone loss against an Oregon team came in a dramatic 46-43 comeback at Jesuit and they’ll have another tough road game at Westview. The Wildcats may have the size (6-foot-10 Jack Poling) and the balance of guards to surprise Southridge, which is led by 6-foot-9 Portland State commit Filip Fullerton. The last time these two teams played, Southridge won at home by 10. The Skyhawks should be the favorite, but I like Westview’s odds.
Prediction: Westview
Barlow (9-6) at Clackamas (7-8), Wednesday at 6 p.m.
Will the best team in the Mt. Hood please stand up? Wait, no, you can’t all stand up.
Four Mt. Hood teams share first place in league with a 4-1 record and the Bruins and Cavaliers are among them. Barlow comes off an overtime loss at Oregon City. They’re led by sophomore guard Jesse White. Clackamas also lost to Oregon City last week, but then won a chippy contest at Central Catholic. They’re led inside by Dane Agost and Cole Turner. Matching up with the Clackamas bigs will be a tall task for Barlow.
Prediction: Clackamas
Crater (14-1) at Thurston (12-2), Thursday at 7 p.m.
This matchup of top 3 5A teams, per OSAA rankings, will feature a couple of exciting players. Thurston point guard Isaac Lange, who is super quick with the ball in his hands. Coach Blaine Liberatore says Lange is the “piston that makes our engine go.” Crater boasts Kiefer Edwards, a 6-foot-5 force who dunks just about every game. Both teams are 4-1 in league play.
Prediction: Thurston
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