Recently @oregon3apredict wrote a story (3A Boys Basketball in Strange Times in 2019/2020) and I completely agree. This is the first year in a long time that it’s hard to do a top 10 ranking every week. It’s great for teams that are looking to make a run at State, but it’s a head scratchers from outsiders looking in.
Four Surprising Teams In The State Thus Far...
Yamhill- Carlton! My oh my, look what coach Heather Roberts has done with this group! Last season, YC finished 4-21 and ranked #34 out 35 teams in the OSAA Rankings. Fast forward this year, she added four key freshman including her two sons Moroni and Malachi Roberts, Samuel Horne and Spencer Horne. YC is currently 9-4, #14 OSAA and third best record heading into league play. Great job thus far!
Riverdale!! As of January 10th 2:34pm, are ranked #1 OSAA Computer Rankings. Coach will say “It’s just a number” and I agree, but in my opinion it still deserves attention. Ever since Head Coach Paul Henderson arrived on campus, Mavericks have been so close to making to post season but couldnt ever get over the hump. This year feels different. They are playing with a lot energy and their confidence is sky high right now. With seniors Ethan Hill, Isaac Abrams and Jackson Grimes, I feel anything is possible with this group.
Warrenton! Yoda “favorite team” (second to Dayton of course) has showed signs that they can make a run at post season play. Last year, the Warriors was possessions away from earning a state playoff berth but they eventually fell short. This year, Warrenton has an impressive win over Santiam Christian and competed well against other solid teams. Their record isn’t impressive but they are capable of making a run in the Coastal Range League. I believe seniors Devin Jackson and Austin Little will find a way to get it done!
Harrisburg! The Burg is BACK! Last year, Burg was 3-22 (#32 OSAA rankings out of 35). The last time Harrisburg made it to Coos Bay, they was lead by 6’4 guard Tel Jones. This year, head coach Terry Crabb has his squad at 9-5 overall record and 1-0 in conference with a huge win over Santiam Christian. Harrisburg are tough, gritty and will be a tough out for any team in the state!
Usual Suspects..
De La Salle North Catholic Knights! The back to back state champions are starting to find there grove heading into league play. The Knights are leaning heavily on reigning Player of the Year George Sadi to lead a young and inexperienced group back to Coos Bay. The road to a three peat will not be easy but they are showing signs of improvements with wins over Western Christian and a blow out win against Riverdale.
Dayton Pirates! Legendary Coach Ron Hop and senior Payton Garrison are heading into league play on a 5 game winning streak with wins against Seaside and a redemption win against a tough Cascade Christian. The PacWest league is one of the best leagues in 3A and they will be battled tested every night. This Tuesday night against Salem Academy will be good test to start league play.
Amity Warriors! Junior Josh Wart is a problem! Amity is currently ranked #1 in the OSAA Coaches Poll with a 11-1 overall record. The Warriors are riding a 6 game winning streak with wins over Columbia Christian, Kennedy and Nyssa. This team is also in the PacWest, which means we get two exciting showdowns between Amity vs Dayton!
Two teams to keep and eye on..
Creswell! Creswell is a top 10 in the state but they are capable of beating any team higher then them. They are lead by senior backcourt Kai Apo and Tyler Frieze. Creswell should be a dangerous team to play come post season time. With Harrisburg defeating SC, Creswell is in control of there own destiny to advance to post season early in league play.
Cascade Chrisitan! They already pulled off one upset against Dayton and beat a quality OES team as well. The Chargers are 11-2 heading into league play. They are battled tested after playing in the Crusaders Classic and well equipped to make a run at a league title. They will have to go through All State Senior Mason Gill and Sutherlin if they want to achieve their goal. This team should finish in the top 2 in league and will be ready for anybody come Sweet 16 time!
Two players that deserves recognition..
Top 3A recruit junior Josh Baugher of Santiam Christian is not returning this season due to injury. Last season he was named First Team All State and he wasn’t going to get anything less then that this year as well. It’s very sad and unfortunate but he will comeback stronger then ever.
Sophomore Landon Thom of Westside Christian will not be returning this season due to injury. Thom was one of the hottest players in the State before his injury. Westside Christian was awarded a top 10 ranking and his stellar play had a lot to do with it. Like Josh, Landon will comeback stronger then ever and will be better come next season.
Yoda Top 10 Rankings..
1 Delasalle
2 Amity
3 Dayton
4 Salem Academy
5 SC
6 Sutherlin
7 CC
8 Creswell
9 Riverdale
10 YC
10 Harrisburg
Oregon 3a Predict Boys Basketball
(Top 10 Rankings)
1. De La Salle (7-5)
2.Amity (11-1)
3.Dayton (11-3)
4.Salem Academy (8-3)
5. Santiam Christian (8-4)
6. Cascade Christian (11-2)
7. Sutherlin (11-2)
8. Nyssa (7-3)
9. Creswell (9-4)
10. Riverdale (10-2)
In Consideration- Harrisburg, OES
BBallDream Top 10
1 De La Salle
2 Amity
3. Dayton
4 Salem Academy
5 Cascade Christian
6 Sutherlin
7 Santiam Christian
8 Creswell
9 Riverdale
10 Yam Hill -Carlton
10 Harrisburg
10 OES
