The Oregonian/OregonLive conducted an in-depth analysis of the boys basketball teams in the Three Rivers League last week.
It’s time to examine each of the district’s top players in greater detail this winter.
Senior Gylan Payne of Oregon City
Payne became an all-league first team guard after being a standout player in the Three Rivers League the previous season. As a junior, Payne topped the team in every significant statistical category, making him an excellent all-around player, according to coach Aaron Newkirk.
Senior Ben Schneider of Oregon City
Last season, Schneider, who also played quarterback for the school, was named an honorable mention all-league winger. In addition to calling him a fantastic leader and shooter, Newkirk said he adds tenacity to the defensive end of the ball.
Junior Alijah Scott of Oregon City
Scott is expected to start this season after playing a significant role as a sophomore. One of the program’s most improved players, according to Newkirk, is his athletic playmaking skills, which the club will rely on in 2024–2025.
Jack Clarke, Lakeridge senior
The Pacers’ 6-foot-6 post man Clarke can score, grab rebounds, and change shots defensively on the interior. Coach James Watts stated that he will be a captain and a significant contributor this season. For a Lakeirdge club that lost a lot of players from the previous season, his stature in particular will be vital.
Senior Sean McCarty of Lakeridge
McCarty can play close to Clarke or on the perimeter. Watts praised the senior forward, saying, “Sean is a very athletic talent that can use his leaping ability and athleticism to contribute in multiple ways to our team.”
More Oregon high school sports
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Oregon high school girls basketball players to watch in the Three Rivers League
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Oregon high school boys basketball players to watch in the Mt. Hood Conference
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Oregon high school girls basketball players to watch in the Mt. Hood Conference
Lakeridge senior Valentin Faucher
Faucher, a 5-foot-11 point guard, leads the Pacers offense with his shooting touch and eye for assist. According to Watts, he will play a significant role in our offense this season.
Senior Carter Dietz of Lake Oswego
Coach Tully Wagner described Dietz as a physical wing. His ability to slash and attack the rim, where he excels as a finisher, defines his skill set. “I will knock down the occasional three,” Wagner continued.
Lake Oswego junior Liam Rigney
Like Dietz, Rigney can score from all three levels and adds length to the wing. In short, he is the kind of player the Lakers need to turn things around following a difficult 2023–24 year.
Tigard’s Colt Ness, senior
Despite a season filled with hardship for the program, Ness was a bright point for the Tigers. Ness, who made the all-league first team as a junior, is a standout player for the school’s football team and will be a key member of the Tigers this season.
Junior Jemai Lake, Tualatin
Lake is still expanding and changing. He is now one of the state’s greatest players overall, not just one of its top young guards. As the No. 2 to Jaden Steppe the previous season, Lake, a talented shooter with long range, had many opportunities to create and troubleshoot. Defenses are aware of what to anticipate from the explosive guard this season, who as a junior should be a player of all-state caliber.
Pat Viavla, a Tualatin sophomore
When Viavla made his debut as a freshman at West Linn last season, he immediately drew similarities to two past Lions greats, Jackson Shelstad and Payton Pritchard, who were both dynamic, small guards. Viavla will work well with Lake in a potent backcourt after relocating to the Tualatin neighborhood during the offseason.
Senior Tualatin Javier Diaz
Before the previous season, Diaz was somewhat unknown, but as the season progressed, he become increasingly integral to the Timberwolves’ identity. Size is a premium for this squad with departures like Steppe, and Diaz makes that clear. The senior forward has started to add an outside shot to his repertoire, further expanding his skill set.
Senior Jalen Snook of West Linn
Despite being new to the Lions program, head coach Travis Myers has quickly recognized that Snook is among the state’s top shooters. Last winter, Snook was a sensation in his first season as a starter, frightening opponents with his outside shot. Myers is pleased with the progress he has observed in other areas of his game.
Senior Gavin Gross of West Linn
According to Myers, Gross, a forward with three levels of scoring ability, isn’t scared to get rough. The senior, who has improved defensively, will play a key role on both ends of the court for the Lions as they look to return to the postseason this winter.
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