Jefferson and West Linn look loaded in 6A while Wilsonville will attempt to go back-to-back in 5A. Also watch out for South Salem and Clackamas in the Oregon boys basketball #MaxPrepsFab5.
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See a big name with an even bigger dunk.2016-17 Oregon preseason high school boys basketball Fab 5, presented by the Army National Guard
1. Jefferson (Portland)2015-16 record: 17-10
Head coach: Nate Neuschwander
The Democrats have won six state titles in the 2000s but most of those came outside of the state's largest classification. After several years at the 5A level, Jefferson is competing in 6A now and may have the firepower to compete for a seventh crown. Nearly the entire roster from 2015-16 is back, including All-State player
Geno West (6-3, Sr., G) and
Marcus Tsohonis (6-4, So., G), one of the state's top freshmen a year ago. The move that really moves the needle for the Demos, however, is the addition of
Kamaka Hepa (6-9, Jr., F/C) – Alaska's Player of the Year last winter.
See the MaxPreps Oregon boys basketball computer rankings presented by the Army National Guard
2. West Linn2015-16 record: 26-3
Head coach: Tyler Toney
If West Linn is to continue its run of four consecutive state titles, it will do so with a much different look. Gone is the architect of that run, former head coach Eric Viuhkola, and three-time State Player of the Year Payton Pritchard – now at the University of Oregon. South Salem transfer
Khalid Thomas joins the program this season after earning second team All-State honors a year ago. The Lions are 99-17 during their four-year run of championships.
See the MaxPreps Oregon boys basketball stat leaders3. Wilsonville2015-16 record: 25-3
Head coach: Chris Roche
The Wildcats have 10 players back from their 2015-16 Class 5A state championship team, including Player of the Year
Zach Reichle. The 6-4 Oregon State signee is also a 3.89 student. Under Roche's direction, Wilsonville has won 20 or more games nine years in a row.
See the MaxPreps Oregon boys basketball photos
4. Clackamas2015-16 record: 21-6
Head coach: Ryan King
Matt O'Brien, Clackamas
Photo by Brian Murphy
(5-8, Sr., G) is the only returning first team All-State selection in Class 6A. The Portland State signee averaged over 23 points per game as a junior en route to Mt. Hood League MVP honors. The Cavaliers also have the luxury of 6-9 senior
Matt O'Brien down low.
See the MaxPreps Oregon boys basketball playoff brackets5. South Salem2015-16 record: 26-2
Head coach: Tyler Allen
South's expectations took a hit when Thomas departed for West Linn, but the Saxons are 80-8 over the past three seasons, so expect the show to go on. Leading the way will be
Jaden Nielsen-Skinner (5-10, So., G), who earned second team All-Greater Valley Conference honors as a freshman.
