Payton Pritchard and West Linn come in to this season as the top team in Oregon.
Photo by Larry Lawson
MaxPreps 2013-14 Oregon Boys Basketball Preseason Fab 5 presented by the Army National Guard
Click here to see the boys basketball preseason Fab 5 from every state1. West Linn2012-13 record: 21-8, Class 6A state champions
Head coach: Eric Viuhkola
The Lions staged a bit of a Cinderella run in last year's 6A state playoffs by knocking off three higher seeds en route to the title – including an epic upset of Lake Oswego in the semifinals. But West Linn won't be sneaking up on anybody as the favorite to repeat this year.
Ryan Shearmire,
Anthony Mathis and sophomore sensation
Payton Pritchard are among the top returners.
2. Churchill (Eugene)2012-13 record: 23-5, Class 5A runner-up
Head coach: Kelly Bokn
The Lancers return four key contributors from last year's team that reached the state title game. Leading the way is 6-3 senior
David Schedrick, who posted 15.6 points per game a year ago. Fellow seniors
Malik Morgan,
Andrew Smith and
DeShone Brooks all averaged around eight points per game in 2012-13.
3. Central Catholic (Portland)2012-13 record: 24-5, Class 6A runner-up
Head coach: Dan Munson
The Rams will miss All-State player Austin Dyer, but key contributors
Deante Strickland,
Xavier Hallinan,
Blake Brandel,
LaMar Winston and
Ryan Nall are all back.
4. Jesuit (Portland)2012-13 record: 24-4
Head coach: Gene Potter
Jesuit is hungry to return to championship form after failing to win the 6A title for the first time since 2007-08 last year. Junior shooter
Ryan Bay will be the focal point for the always tough and disciplined Crusaders.
5. Lake Oswego2012-13 record: 28-1
Head coach: Mark Shoff
The Lakers lost 11 seniors – including All-American Calvin Hermanson – from last year's team, which was unbeaten and ranked nationally until getting stunned in the state semifinals. But Shoff knows how to replace stars (he did so with Kevin Love) and transfer
Jazz Johnson should ensure a quick turnaround for Lake Oswego.
