In recent years, South Medford has been the host of the Southwest Conference. However, if key players leave for graduation, any club might step up and win the championship this winter.
Here is a quick synopsis of every Southwest Conference boys basketball team, arranged alphabetically:
Grants Pass Cavemen
Season last: 13–12
Joel Jessee is the coach.
Important participants: Jordan Rossetta, C, SO; Grady Mckitrick, G/W, JR; Zac DeChenne, G, SR; Peyton Bruner, G/W, SR
Outlook: Grants Pass tied with South Eugene for second place in the Southwest Conference, trailing the unbeatable South Medford Panthers. Furthermore, Jessee’s high hopes will not be dampened by a last first-round playoff loss. He said his team may win the league this season if healthy. The fact that the Cavemen finished No. 2 and No. 1 respectively the previous two seasons with the fewest points allowed contributes to some of that optimism. Grants Pass is a high-pressure defensive team that could finish among the best in the state in that regard once more. The team’s top player, Bruner, may also compete for the conference player of the year award, according to Jesseee.
North Medford Black Tornado
Season last: 11–15
Scott Plankenhorn, coach
Important participants: Liam Rea, W/F, SO; Dylan Scott, G, SR; Easton Curtis, G, SR; and Traeger Healy, W, JR
Outlook: After two difficult seasons, Plankenhorn believes this senior class is eager to make a comeback and return the Black Tornado to the top of the Southwest Conference. Three starters are among the seven players that North Medford is returning. Plankenhorn stated that although we lack height, we have good athletes who recently had an outstanding football season, so we will need to defend at a high level.
Roseburg
Season last: 14–11
Jordan Humphreys is the coach.
Important participants:Coach didn’t answer the question.
Outlook: The coach did not reply to the question.
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Sheldon Irish
Season last: 11–13
Brian Brancato, coach
Important participants: Gabe Alvarado, G, SR; Rocco Graziano, G, SR; Nathan Sheley, G, SR; Eli Forsha, W, SR
Outlook: Brancato has taken over as the boy’s basketball coach after serving for 14 years with the Irish girls’ basketball program, where he went 262-108. Although it’s early, he stated that he thinks Sheldon has a good chance of winning the Southwest Conference, especially considering its current perfect record. After finishing in second-to-last place in the league, Sheley and Alvarado both spent the offseason developing into three-level scorers, and that jump might help the Irish take one of their own. Brancato stated that Graziano, a four-year varsity player, can dominate a game on both ends of the court, and that Forsha, a junior returning from an all-conference year, brings tremendous agility around the rim.
South Eugene Axe
Season last: 13–13
Solomon Harris is the coach.
Important participants: Cameron Perry, F, JR; Levi Hawse, G, SR; and Calvin Yoder, F, JR
Outlook: After bringing back one starter from a team that finished.500 the previous season, South Eugene is still figuring things out. Even though there will be a lot of change, the program tied Grants Pass for second place in the Southwest Conference in 2023–24, thus things appear to be going well. Harris stated that Hawse, the only returning starter, will be looked to because of his offensive explosiveness and strong perimeter defense. Yoder and Perry are a forward tandem that can play both inside and out, which adds offensive potential.
South Medford Panthers
Season last: 19–7
James Wightman, coach
Important participants: Jed Johnson, W, JR; Cole Adee, G, SR
Outlook: The Panthers have had a strong hold on their league in recent years, but they will need fresh players to step up and defend the league crown from the previous season after losing guard Ty Dahlin to graduation and Southwest Player of the Year Jackson Weiland. Last season, both junior Jed Johnson and senior Cole Adee were named to the all-league honorable mention team.
Willamette Wolverines
Season last: 3-22
Coach: Jake O’Connor
Important participants: Tony Cumberland, W/F, JR; Berkley Grandberry, F, JR; Jacob Hall, G, SR
Outlook: According to recently hired coach O Connor, the Wolverines are keen to move past a difficult 2023–24 campaign and start creating a winning culture at Willamette High. Leading this seasoned group is Hall, a three-year varsity athlete. He will operate from the point guard position, generating offense for the team with his cutting skills. Additionally, the Wolverines have size down low with Cumberland, a top football recruit who transferred from Arizona last summer, and Grandberry, a second-year starter.
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