Douglas (Portland) boys basketball coach Chad Reeves won't say his team is special.
Lamariea Taylor, Douglas
Courtesy photo
The Scots (20-3) just play that way.
Douglas, which hasn't won more than 16 games in any season over the last 10 years, is off to a 20-3 start and a No. 5 ranking in the state.
The Scots opened with 12 straight wins and after losing two of three, have won eight of nine.
For its fine season and offseason work to improve, Douglas is the MaxPreps Oregon Team of the Week, presented by the Army National Guard.
"I am not sure if we are ‘special,' but I do know that more than ever we have a group of seniors who are experienced, motivated and know their roles very well," Reeves said. "I don't know if it's the best talent we have ever had, but each player complements the others well. It has been a fun group to coach."
Reeves breaks down his top six players this way:
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John Morris, a 5-foot-8 junior: "He has an infectious smile and is the glue for the team. He does what others don't always want to. He gets things started on both ends for us.
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Charles Jones, a 6-1 junior: "He is an amazing talent. He has the ability to impact a game in all phases."
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Hunter Davis, a 6-1 senior: "He's very savvy and understands the game of basketball. He's a good leader."
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Dwight Dew, a 6-3 senior: "He has great overall athleticism and the biggest personality on the team."
Brock Jackson (33) rarely gets boxed out.
Courtesy photo
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Brock Jackson, a 6-3 senior: "He is the unsung hero. He does all the dirty work for the team guarding the biggest player and is almost always under-sized. He doesn't complain one bit."
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Lamariea Taylor, a 6-1 senior. "He could easily start for us, but has embraced this role as sixth man. He's athletic and can defend at any position. He has great versatility."
Beyond the team's quickness and versatility, the Scots' work ethic is second to none, Reeves said.
"I think the key was the amount of work these guys put in before the season," he said. "With so many returners, they wanted more, so they were in the gym a lot in the offseason."
Many got stronger in the weight room.
"We have a group of guys who enjoy working on their game," Reeves said. "I also think setting goals and tracking them throughout the season has helped keep laser-like focus on where we want to be rather than where we are."
Wins over two very good teams, Tigard and Southridge, has helped with the team's confidence.
Reeves said no matter how the season ends, he's been pleased in so many areas. He listed several.
"How well we have stuck with things despite some of the challenges and adversity we have faced," he said. "How well players have embraced their roles. I am extremely pleased with the coaches that I get to work with on a daily basis.
"I am so thankful for that. We have great coaches that are really good for kids in so many areas."
