Players to watch at Oregon 6A boys basketball state tournament
The OSAA 6A boys basketball state tournament begins Wednesday at the University of Portland's Chiles Center. Here's a look at some of the top players to watch at the event.
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QUARTERFINAL MATCHUPS
Terrence Hill Jr. (Roosevelt) photo by Taylor Balkom
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Jalen Atkins, jr., Barlow
Atkins was the Mt. Hood player of the year as a sophomore and received first-team all-conference honors this winter. He missed six games at the end of the regular season with an ankle injury but returned for the start of the playoffs. The guard averages 18.5 points and 5.2 assists.
Brayden Barron, jr., Barlow
A 6-foot-6 swingman, Barron averages 14.6 points and 7.4 rebounds and was voted first-team all-Mt. Hood. He scored a career-high 37 points in a win over Nelson and is receiving Division I interest, head coach Tom Johnson said.
Mason Bierbrauer, jr., Barlow
Another junior standout for Barlow, Bierbrauer was a first-team all-Mt. Hood pick for the second consecutive year. He is an inside-outside presence who averages 15.5 points and 5.6 rebounds.
Isaac Bongen, fr., Jesuit
One of the state’s most promising freshmen, Bongen will get his first taste of state tournament action this week. The guard was a third-team all-Metro pick and averages 13.2 points per game.
Isaac Carr, jr., Central Catholic
A three-star Oregon commit, Carr is an all-around guard with plenty of shooting range. He missed nine games because of injury but still made first-team all-Mt. Hood after averaging 17 points, three assists and four rebounds.
Max Elmgren, sr., Beaverton
A feared 3-point shooter, Elmgren is a veteran guard who teams with Aidan Rice to create one of the state’s best backcourts. He was a first-team all-Metro selection.
Carter Fortune, sr., Southridge
The leading scorer for a balanced Skyhawks team, Fortune averages 14 points, 5.1 rebounds and four assists. The senior received second-team all-Metro honors.
Kaden Groenig, sr., Southridge
Another Southridge standout, Groenig averages 13.7 points, four assists and 4.5 rebounds. The lead guard was a first-team all-Metro selection.
Vashon Hardges, sr., Grant
Hardges, a second-team all-PIL pick, is a two-way standout for a Generals team with several scoring options. He averages 11 points, seven rebounds and three assists.
Terrence Hill Jr., sr., Roosevelt
The PIL player of the year, Hill Jr. is an elite scorer who also fills up the box score with rebounds, assists and steals. The talented two-way guard is a Utah State signee.
Alonzo Hoff, jr., Southridge
A second-team all-Metro pick, Hoff is a versatile junior post who shines at both ends of the court. He averages 11 points and five rebounds.
Charlie Kapranos, sr., Grant
The go-to player for Grant, Kapranos is averaging 14 points, eight rebounds, three assists and one block. He received second-team all-PIL honors.
Patrick Kilfoil, jr., Jesuit
Kilfoil led the way with 21 points in Jesuit’s round-of-16 victory over South Medford. The junior guard was voted second-team all-Metro and averages 16.5 points and 4.4 rebounds.
Jemai Lake, so., Tualatin
The younger brother of former Tualatin standout and current Oregon State guard Josiah Lake, Jemai Lake has stepped right into the starting lineup and dominated for the Timberwolves. The sophomore averages 16.2 points, 2.7 assists and 1.8 steals and was voted first-team all-Three Rivers.
Owen Nathan, jr., Roosevelt
Playing a supporting role next to Hill Jr., Nathan was named PIL defensive player of the year. He received second-team all-league recognition.
Zamir Paschal, so., Central Catholic
Central Catholic’s starting point guard, Paschal averages 14 points, 6.5 rebounds and 3.5 assists. He was voted first-team all-Mt. Hood. His older brother, Duce Paschal, also was an all-conference pick for the Rams.
Nico Rafalovich, sr., Jesuit
A Metro co-defensive player of the year, Rafalovich is a 6-foot-6 swingman who can defend nearly any position. He also is a strong offensive player for the Crusaders who averages 14.5 points, 7.6 rebounds and 3.2 assists.
Aidan Rice, sr., Beaverton
Rice shared Metro defensive player of the year honors with Rafalovich. The senior guard is an all-around player with ample big-game experience.
Jaden Steppe, sr., Tualatin
Arguably the best and most accomplished player in Oregon, Steppe is looking to close his high school career with a third consecutive state title. The Colorado State signee was voted Three Rivers player of the year and averages 22.3 points and 10.6 rebounds.
Chance White, sr., Roosevelt
Another talented Roosevelt guard, White is capable of leading the team in scoring in any game. He was a second-team all-PIL selection.
Chance Winter, sr., Beaverton
The 6-foot-11 Winter has played well since returning to the lineup from a wrist injury. He will play college basketball for NAIA juggernaut College of Idaho.
Marley Zeller, sr., Central Catholic
The Mt. Hood player of the year, Zeller is a versatile wing who averages 17 points and four rebounds. The 6-foot-5 talent is headed to Pepperdine.
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