Who and what to follow as the 2014

Back to Main MenuBusiness News HomeFront PorchIt Only MoneyOregon the EconomyPlaybooks ProfitsSilicon ForestWindow ShopStock Market ReportBusiness Public BlogBack to Main MenuVideos from the OregonianVideos from The Beaverton LeaderVideos from the Hillsboro ArgusVideos from The Forest Grove LeaderYour VideosBack to Main MenuThe StumpEditorialsLetters to the EditorMy OregonOpEdElizabeth HovdeDavid SarasohnStory lines to watchWest Linn vs. Jefferson: After an eight year run in Class 5A, Jefferson is back in the state’s top classification in 6A. After winning the past two 5A titles, the Democrats go looking for a 6A championship this season and ninth in school history but figure as challengers, not favorites. The favorite’s goes to West Linn, the two time 6A champions who return point guard Payton Pritchard, last year’s 6A player of the year, and New Mexico bound guard Anthony Mathis. While West Linn and Jefferson don’t have a regular season game scheduled, they could play in the Les Schwab Invitational should both teams win their opening round games.Tournament in Chiles Center: The 6A tournament lands in its most intimate home ever as University of Portland’s Chiles Center plays host to the boys tournament in 2014 15. The large school classification has recently staged its tournament in the Moda Center, and previously played in large venues such as McArthur Court and Memorial Coliseum. The 5,000 seat Chiles Center should give the boys tournament an electric feeling, as most seats figure to be filled for the big games.New shooter in 5A? With Jefferson off to 6A and two time state runner up Churchill gutted from graduation, the chase for the 5A title figures to take on a new look. Among teams that should contend for the 5A championship are Mountain View, Wilsonville and Liberty, and perhaps La Salle Prep.Players to watchPayton Pritchard,
ping g25 irons, West Linn: The reigning 6A player of the year, the junior point guard recently announced that he will sign at Oklahoma next November. Pritchard averaged 18 points and 7.5 assists per game last season in leading West Linn to its second consecutive state title.Anthony Mathis, West Linn: Mathis, who signed at New Mexico in November, has proved to be the perfect complement to Pritchard, as he’s a terrific shooter from 3 point range. Mathis is a four year starter who has played a big role on the Lions’ past two state title teams.Deante Strickland, Central Catholic: The 5 foot 10 senior point guard missed the first half of last season due to an academic suspension, yet still earned first team all state honors. Strickland,
ping g30 driver, nephew of Jefferson coach Pat Strickland, figures to get off to another tardy start again this year, as he’s playing football for the first time in three years,
ping g25 irons, on a team playing Saturday for the state championship.Drew Eubanks, Reynolds: Among the state’s best big men, the 6 foot 9 Eubanks blossomed during the past year and landed a scholarship from Oregon State.Teams to watchWest Linn: The team to beat, with Pritchard and Mathis back to lend a veteran, talented presence for the two time 6A champs.Jefferson: The Democrats, the only Oregon team to beat West Linn last season, have a formidable lineup that includes four year starter Kadeem Strickland at point guard, and transfer Isaiah Robinson, a 6 10 post who is the son of former Trail Blazer Cliff Robinson.Central Catholic: Once the Rams get their roster intact from football,
ping g30, they could be a tough team to handle. Central Catholic returns most of its top players from last year’s state tourney team, including a terrific backcourt of Strickland,
ping g30 driver, La’Mar Winston and Xavier Hallinan.Of note: Joining Pritchard as a returning player of the year is Irrigon’s Adrian Romero from Class 2A. . Three others from the 6A all state return in South Eugene’s Eli Lininger (second team) and Lake Oswego’s Jazz Johnson and South Salem’s Seth Erickson (honorable mention). . La Salle Prep, last year’s 4A runner up, returns two second team all staters in Keeston Smith and Reece Wible as it moves to 5A this school year.