It’s possible that some of the best teams in the state will be traveling from the Mount Hood Conference in March. After all, the current Class 6A state champs call it home.
The following is a synopsis of each Mount Hood Conference boys basketball team, arranged alphabetically:
Barlow Bruins
Season last: 21–7
Coach: Tom Johnson
Important participants: Blake Hills, G/W, SR; Mason Bierbrauer, W/F, SR; Brayden Barron, W/F, SR; and Jalen Atkins, G, SR
Prospects: Following an appearance in the semifinals the previous season, Barlow advanced to the state quarterfinals last season. This season, can the Bruins overcome their sluggish start? Coach Johnson stated that the team’s performance this season will be determined by how well we rebound and defend. Barlow’s core will be mostly the same this season, led by guard Atkins, who has been named to the All-State team multiple times. Because they can play both inside and out, Bierbrauer and Barron provide versatility at the forward spots. The Bruins’ eventual ceiling may depend on how successfully the team’s other starters and role players adjust.
Central Catholic Rams
Season last: 27-3
Coach: David Blue
Important participants: Robbie Long, W, JR; Zamir Paschal, G, JR; Duce Paschal, G, SR; Isaac Carr, G, SR
Outlook: The Rams are considered a favorite going into this winter for a reason, even though they won the state championship the previous season and lost important players like standout Marley Zeller. In the entire state, Central Catholic’s trio of Carr (a Wake Forest signee) and the Paschal brothers (Duce, a Weber State signee) is among the best. You have one of the most formidable teams in Class 6A when you add outstanding depth players. The Rams begin what should be another amazing season against highly ranked Perry (Arizona), then proceed to the City of Palms national showcase and the LSI.
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Clackamas Cavaliers
Season last: 6-19
Ryan King is the coach.
Important participants: Max Martinov, G/W, SO; RJ Barhoum, G/W, SO
Outlook: The Cavaliers will be depending on two sophomores, Barhoum and Martinov, to lead the way this season after losing their most dynamic player, Seyi Babatunde, to a knee injury just a few weeks ago. In terms of stepping into Babatunde’s shoes, Coach King has faith in the team’s overall resiliency. “Our team unity will be our strength,” he stated. These children will stand by one another no matter what, but we won’t frighten you with the eye test.
David Douglas Scots
Season last: 13–12
Coach: Chad Reeves
Important participants: Micah Chadwick, W, SR; Gimer Novelo, G/W, SR; and Omar Kassim, G, SR
Outlook: The Scots will try to keep moving up the rankings of one of the state’s most formidable groups in 2024 after finishing one game below.500 in conference play the previous season. Kassim, Novelo, and Chadwick, a perimeter three, deliver results to a team that Reeves claimed is a pleasure to coach. Their basketball IQ and camaraderie are good features, he continued.
Gresham Gophers
Season last: 17–9
Cliff White is the coach.
Important participants: Juma Whatley, W, JR; Levi Gaither, G, JR; Jeremiah Pichon, G, JR; Reece Glasper, C, SR; Khaled Artharee, W, SR; Kareem Artharee, G, JR
Outlook: White replaced the now-deceased Corey Lockhart as head coach after serving as his assistant for two years. Even though he takes over a youthful roster with only two seniors, he has faith in the team’s skill and ability to play as a unit. According to White, the Gophers will play an enjoyable, fast-paced style that puts an emphasis on getting out in transition and guarding 94 feet. This offseason, the addition of Glasper of Centennial and Pichon of Cleveland strengthened a core led by the Artharee brothers.
Nelson Hawks
Season last: 14–11
Daniel Blanks is the coach.
Important participants include Ashua Neal, F, SR; Chaz Katoanga, G/W, JR; Zaden Richardson, F, JR; Malachi Garlington, G, SO; Jaiden Pickett, G, SR; Jaydon Schregardus, G, SO; and Brandon Gaines, G, SO.
Outlook: The Hawks, who were among the youngest teams in the state a year ago, started laying the groundwork for what might turn out to be a spectacular 2024 campaign. A team full of talent will have the opportunity to take some preliminary exams as Nelson will be participating in the LSI for the first time since the school’s founding four years ago. Gaines, who led the conference in points and assists per game, and Schregardus, who had outstanding freshmen seasons, will be the main attraction. Putnam transfer Jaiden Pickett, a 6-foot-2 senior who averaged 15.6 points per game the previous season and plays with exceptional quickness, will join them as another promising guard. “I think our team’s identity and strength will be our defense,” Blanks stated.
Reynolds Raiders
Season last: 1–24
Terrance Dickens, coach
Important participants: Delphin Bizimana, G, SR; Lemogus Frazier, W, SR; Jae Lyn Smith, G, FR; Eddie Szabatin, C, JR
Prospects: Dickens has placed a strong emphasis on tempo following a challenging 2023–24 season. He wants his team to run this year, that’s all. This group’s motto is 32 Minutes of Havoc, which Dickens hopes will cause some commotion. The main offensive focal point is 6-foot-6 post Szabatin, who led 6A in rebounds the previous season. However, it will mostly depend on Bizimana, Frazier, and Smith to manage the pace from game to game with their quickness in transition.
Sandy Pioneers
Season last: 17–9
Paul Henderson is the coach.
Important players: SR, W/F, and Jacob Brown
Outlook: The coach did not reply to the question.
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