Basketball fans can look forward to some of the most exciting games in the state as Oregon’s high school boys basketball teams are currently in conference play.
It’s time to examine the top teams in the state with less than a month left before the rankings freeze.
1. Barlow Bruins (15-1, 5-0 Mt. Hood Conference)
You must defeat the state’s top teams if you want to be the best team in the state. And thus far this year, Barlow has done just that. The Bruins recently defeated Central Catholic, the current Class 6A state champion, 75-55. They have also defeated Tualatin (93-87 on December 14 and 79-72 on January 9) and Westview (55-51 on December 10) this season. Barlow appears to be aiming for a state title run under the leadership of Jalen Atkins and Brayden Barron.
2. Tualatin Timberwolves (14-4, 3-1 Three Rivers League)
Following their return from the Nike Tournament of Champions, the Timberwolves lost to Barlow (79-72 on January 9) and Oregon City (63-52 on January 14) in consecutive games to start 2024. However, basketball history demonstrates that Tualatin is always in the running. The Timberwolves defeated Oregon City (76-56) earlier in December, and their two losses against the Bruins this winter were both close.
3. Central Catholic Rams (9-6, 4-1 Mt. Hood Conference)
Although the Rams’ 20-point defeat to the Bruins on January 24 is painful, maintaining their health has been even more difficult. Due to injury, juniors Zamir Pascal and Jalen Nicholson were unable to play for Central Catholic. Pascal, who excelled during the team’s journey to the state championship the previous season, may miss the rest of the campaign.
4. Roosevelt Roughriders (9-6, 6-0 Portland Interscholastic League)
It appears to be a difficult time to be at Roosevelt if you simply look at December. The Roughriders had a 2–6 start to the season. However, the current state runners-up are undefeated and appear to be the city’s favorite since the new year. Roosevelt’s in-state defeats (68-64 against Southridge and 67-60 against Grant) were winnable attempts, whereas the majority of his early-season losses were against opponents from outside the state. Don’t discount the Riders if Roosevelt is successful in assuming the PIL crown.
5. Westview Wildcats (12-4, 4-0 Metro League)
Westview, who has been winning in recent weeks, suffered their first defeat of 2025 on January 20th, losing 68-57 against Roosevelt. On January 7, the Wildcats defeated Oregon City 53–42 as well. Westview boasts a large group of juniors and seniors, and Kai Russell leads the state in assists per game with 5.5.
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6. Oregon City Pioneers (13-3, 3-0 Three Rivers League)
On January 14, the Pioneers shocked Tualatin 63-52, which is a good way to get their name out there among the best teams in the state. With almost 23 points per game, senior Gylan Payne leads Class 6A in scoring and is enjoying an incredible season. This Friday’s game versus West Linn will be crucial in terms of league standings as Oregon City only has one more game against the Timberwolves this season.
7. West Linn Lions (13-3, 3-0 Three Rivers League)
West Linn had a difficult time in the middle of January, losing to Jesuit 64-52 on January 14 and to Caldera in Bend three nights later on a buzzer-beater. In the Three Rivers League, however, the Lions are still very much alive and in the hunt. As a strong senior class prepares the way for West Linn, Jalen Snook remains one of the best scorers in Class 6A.
8. Southridge Skyhawks (14-3, 3-1 Metro League)
This season, Southridge’s only defeat over an Oregon club occurred on January 24 at the hands of Westview (70–51). Other than that, the Skyhawks have been dominating, as seen by their victory over Roosevelt (68–64) at the Les Schwab Invitational. On December 29, Southridge defeated Westview 62-57 as well. On February 11, the two will get together a third time.
9. Sprague Olympians (12-4, 4-1 Central Valley Conference)
The Olympians are the Central Valley Conference’s current favorites. Jarod Stanley, who averages 21 points per game and is among Class 6A’s leading scorers, is largely responsible for that. At 6.9 assists per game, Braxton Long is among the best passers in Class 6A. Sprague defeated Class 5A’s Caldera in a decisive victory to start the season, then on January 7, they defeated Clackamas (76–62).
10. Nelson Hawks (12-4, 4-1 Mt. Hood Conference)
Living in the Mount Hood Conference is difficult because you have to contend with Central Catholic and Barlow. With victories over Gresham and David Douglas last week, the Hawks are still in the running for the league title. Nelson did have a significant victory over Caldera, one of the best teams in Class 5A, back in December, and a competitive loss to Central Catholic on January 21 (72–62).
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–Nik Streng investigates Oregon high school athletics. You may contact him at @NikStreng or [email protected].
