MaxPreps 2013-14 Oregon preseason boys basketball Fab 5

By Staff Report Nov 21, 2013, 12:00am

West Linn is our pick as the top boys basketball team in Oregon this season. Also watch out for Churchill, Central Catholic, Jesuit and Lake Oswego.

Payton Pritchard and West Linn come in to this season as the top team in Oregon.
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 state


1. West Linn
2012-13 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 Oswego
2012-13 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.