Top 12 Teams in 6A: Preseason Wraps with No Upsets in Week 6

<p>Portland and Southwest opened league play last week, and the rest of 6A — Metro, Pacific, Mt. Hood, Three Rivers, and Central Valley — tip off league games in Week 7.</p>   <p>That's mostly a wrap on the preseason in 6A. Here's my take on the Top 12 Teams through Week 6, including details about strength of schedule, notable wins, scoring ability, standout players, and important upcoming matchups.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-instagram wp-block-embed-instagram"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://www.instagram.com/p/DTaw9y4D9Sk/ </div></figure>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">1. Tualatin (9-1)</h2>   <p>Strength of Schedule: Strong</p>   <p>Notable Wins: A.C. Davis, Mater Dei, Jesuit, West Salem, Beaverton, Crater, Wilsonville</p>   <p>Points Scored: 600</p>   <p>Point Differential: +158</p>   <p>The reigning 6A state champion dominated Jesuit 55-27 on Tuesday. Tualatin is undefeated against Oregon opponents and is scheduled to play Beaverton and Oregon City this week. The Timberwolves' first real test by an Oregon opponent will be at West Linn in February.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-instagram wp-block-embed-instagram"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://www.instagram.com/p/DTRLx0ZkoMl/ </div></figure>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">2. South Medford (10-2, 1-0 SWC)</h2>   <p>Strength of Schedule: Strong</p>   <p>Notable Wins: A.C. Davis, Faith Family, Nelson, Sheldon, Beaverton, Century, Sheldon</p>   <p>Points Scored: 726 (No. 1)</p>   <p>Differential: +133</p>   <p>South Medford dominated Sheldon 69-38 in their first league game of the season and should continue to dominate the Southwestern Conference this year. The Lady Panthers looked so dangerous at the Holiday Classic, winning the Platinum title decisively in Week 5. Sacramento State-commit [player_tooltip player_id='991248' first='Dyllyn' last='Howell'] is shooting the lights out and playing like she's the top prospect in the class of 2026. South Medford led most of three quarters in their loss to West Linn in Week 4. It took double-double machine [player_tooltip player_id='828956' first='Mayen' last='Akpan'] to get into foul trouble, and a spark off the bench for the Lady Lions to win. I think the talent and experience of the Lady Panthers' starting five, and their perimeter shooting ability as a team, give them the edge. South Medford has a nonleague game scheduled in late February against Clackamas.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-instagram wp-block-embed-instagram"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://www.instagram.com/p/DTTJgUkj7ib/ </div></figure>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">3. West Linn (9-1)</h2>   <p>Strength of Schedule: Strong</p>   <p>Notable Wins: South Medford, South Albany, Wilsonville, Clackamas, Beaverton (2)</p>   <p>Points Scored: 598</p>   <p>Differential: +164</p>   <p>West Linn defeated Beaverton, again, 58-30 in a nonleague game on Tuesday. [player_tooltip player_id='832621' first='Reese' last='Jordan'] is having a standout start to her senior season. [player_tooltip player_id='832080' first='Kaylor' last='Buse'] continues to facilitate on offense and lock in on defense. [player_tooltip player_id='1002464' first='Ayla' last='Arnold'] has been a glue player who consistently contributes, and she was a standout in the Emerald bracket at the Holiday Classic, averaging 9.6 PPG / 48% FG / 8.3 RPG. [player_tooltip player_id='1232847' first='Kinley' last='Buse'] is giving the Lady Lions a big and effective presence inside. West Linn will stay sharp during league play with two games against No. 1-ranked Tualatin. The Lady Lions go to Jesuit on Tuesday.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-instagram wp-block-embed-instagram"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://www.instagram.com/p/DTMdq6jEX-c/ </div></figure>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">4. Benson (7-2, 3-0 PIL)</h2>   <p>Strength of Schedule: Strong</p>   <p>Notable Wins: Sherwood, Nelson, Beaverton</p>   <p>Points Scored: 577</p>   <p>Point Differential: +198 (No. 1)</p>   <p>Benson has started the Portland Interscholastic League with three dominant wins against McDaniel, Ida B. Wells, and Jefferson. The Lady Astros are the undisputed favorite to win the PIL title. While Benson impressed in a narrow loss to nationally ranked Etiwanda, they also revealed some depth issues in their loss to Mater Dei in Week 5 that persisted into Week 6. Despite the personnel change, the starting squad is strong. [player_tooltip player_id='1013457' first='Jayla' last='Lackey'] is playing like the top power forward prospect in the state. [player_tooltip player_id='832599' first='Samarah' last='Massey'] is playing like she's the most under-recruited senior prospect. [player_tooltip player_id='1013041' first='Kemara' last='Phillips'] has had a strong start to her season and recently broke into the top ten in Oregon's class of 2028. [player_tooltip player_id='1143337' first='Kelyn' last='Johnson'] is a leader who stretches the floor. [player_tooltip player_id='925978' first='Londyn' last='Dyton'] is an athlete who works hard, runs the floor, and plays tough defense. The Lady Astros' next test is a nonleague home game against ranked Southridge in Week 9.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">5. Southridge (6-5)</h2>   <p>Strength of Schedule: Strong/Unknown</p>   <p>Notable Wins: Camas, Sherwood</p>   <p>Points Scored: 622</p>   <p>Point Differential: +48</p>   <p>Southridge took back the lead in the fourth quarter to defeat Sherwood 60-47 on Tuesday behind 25 points from senior point guard [player_tooltip player_id='832605' first='Sara' last='Mangan'], who averaged over 20 points per game in Week 5. Senior [player_tooltip player_id='921397' first='Addison' last='White'] went to work in the paint and on the boards. Sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='1616312' first='Bailey' last='Griffin'] is a good ball-handler who showed her ability to knock down three-pointers at the Holiday Classic. Sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='1231681' first='Camryn' last='Herzberg'], a top–ranked player in her class, did not play for the Skyhawks due to ongoing recovery from an injury. The win against Sherwood was important because it was only the third Oregon opponent the Skyhawks have played. Southridge was set to play Union, a ranked Washington team, on Friday night, but the game was canceled. The Skyhawks play Beaverton in their first league game of the season on Tuesday.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">6. Sherwood (9-3)</h2>   <p>Strength of Schedule: Strong</p>   <p>Notable Wins: Wilsonville, Nelson, Summit, La Salle Prep</p>   <p>Points Scored: 710</p>   <p>Point Differential: +186</p>   <p>In addition to four notable wins, Sherwood hung in losses against higher-ranked Benson and Southridge. Their three impact freshmen additions — [player_tooltip player_id='1208220' first='Zoe' last='Sanders'], [player_tooltip player_id='1264956' first='Audrey' last='Poulivaati'], and Ela Keliiheleua — have given the Bowmen a boost. [player_tooltip player_id='1311144' first='Natalie' last='Romig'] stretches the floor with her three-point shooting. [player_tooltip player_id='1223907' first='Tenley' last='Bozeman'] is a senior leader who scores around the basket, protects the rim, and rebounds on both ends. The squad has depth. Sherwood is top three in scoring and point differential in 6A. The Bowmen's next test is at Century in Week 8.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-instagram wp-block-embed-instagram"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://www.instagram.com/p/DTR4TNljows/?img_index=1 </div></figure>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">7. Nelson (5-6)</h2>   <p>Strength of Schedule:: Strong</p>   <p>Notable Wins: West Salem (2), Silverton</p>   <p>Points Scored: 592</p>   <p>Differential: 589</p>   <p>I was in the minority (along with 14 coaches) who ranked Nelson in Week 5. And I'm doubling down in Week 6. Although the Hawks are off to a shaky start and have played uninspired and individual basketball at times early in the season, the pieces are there. Plus, senior [player_tooltip player_id='921631' first='Tatiana' last='Harris'] is back from injury and was the spark off the bench in Nelson's high-scoring road win against West Salem, albeit another team that has played inconsistently. Nelson finally played as a team and showed they have some depth. The Hawks also defeated McMinnville 54-39 on Friday. Sophomore power forward [player_tooltip player_id='832046' first='Love' last='Forde'] has had a good start to the season. [player_tooltip player_id='1223909' first='Simone' last='Sideris'] works hard every game. Freshmen [player_tooltip player_id='1264933' first='Payton' last='Webster'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1264962' first='Aubrey' last='Pentecost'] are looking more comfortable each week. Harris brought big-time energy and injected her team with confidence. I think we'll see more of that moving forward. Nelson should pick up wins against Gresham and Sandy before going to Barlow and Clackamas in Week 8.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">8. Jesuit (8-3)</h2>   <p>Strength of Schedule: Moderate </p>   <p>Notable Wins: Crater, Springfield</p>   <p>Points Scored: 597</p>   <p>Differential: 138</p>   <p>Jesuit lost to Tualatin 27-55 and defeated Central Catholic 57-21. The Crusaders — who took third in the Metro League last season, defeated West Salem by double digits in the first round of the playoffs, and returned 11 players and four starters — are getting a boost from freshmen additions [player_tooltip player_id='1264926' first='Sam' last='Harris'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1321203' first='Katie' last='Kidd']. Harris, a top-two point guard in the class of 2029, is a starter who facilitates for the Crusaders. Kidd has come off the bench with good game IQ and perimeter defense. [player_tooltip player_id='842706' first='Amani' last='Lubrano'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1013188' first='Ceanna' last='Forney'] had strong performances at the Holiday Classic in the Sapphire semifinals and finals. Jesuit hosts West Linn on Tuesday and Evergreen (WA) on Saturday before tipping off Metro League play in Week 8.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-instagram wp-block-embed-instagram"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://www.instagram.com/p/DTY-QVID8HX/?img_index=1 </div></figure>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">9. West Salem (5-8)</h2>   <p>Strength of Schedule:: Strong</p>   <p>Notable Wins: Jesuit, Beaverton</p>   <p>Points Scored: 712 (No. 2)</p>   <p>Differential: -31</p>   <p>West Salem's loss to unranked Lincoln and win against ranked Jesuit in Week 5 were confusing. Consolation games can be fraught, and the bad beat can signal a lack of mental toughness. But a few days later, the Lady Titans overcame at least a 9-point deficit in the fourth quarter to defeat the Crusaders on the road. And in Week 6, they nearly mounted a comeback in a high-scoring match against a high-performing Nelson. I was in the minority (along with 10 other coaches) who ranked West Salem in Week 5. They don't have a great record, but they have played a strong schedule, and they can put the ball in the net. [player_tooltip player_id='921624' first='Sami' last='Griffin'] is having a standout senior season as a driver and rebounder. Sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='1617969' first='Lilea' last='Burns'] is emerging as an exciting finisher at the rim. The team has some depth. West Salem goes to 5A No. 1 South Albany on Tuesday.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">10. Clackamas (8-2)</h2>   <p>Strength of Schedule: Moderate</p>   <p>Points Scored: 650</p>   <p>Differential: +97</p>   <p>Notable Wins: Century, Lebanon, Silverton</p>   <p>Clackamas is on a 7-game winning streak after dominating Putnam 67-38 in Week 6, and its only two losses are to state powers West Linn and South Albany early in the season. Notable wins include Century, Silverton, and Lebanon. That's a decent resume. Plus, Clackamas can put the ball in the net. Junior transfer [player_tooltip player_id='832060' first='Savannah' last='Dahl'] is a pure shooter who averages 19.5 points and 7 rebounds per game. [player_tooltip player_id='1312930' first='Lily' last='Oien'] has had a strong start to her junior season on both sides of the ball. The Cavaliers host Barlow on Tuesday.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">11. South Salem (11-1)</h2>   <p>Strength of Schedule: Moderate</p>   <p>Notable Wins: Century, Cascade, Amity, Oregon City</p>   <p>Points Scored: 661</p>   <p>Differential: +166</p>   <p>South Salem squeaked out a 39-37 win against Oregon City and dominated Caldera 75-40, both bubble Top 12 teams, in 6A and 5A, respectively. The Lady Saxons play a great brand of team basketball, but West Salem has a better offense, which gives them the edge. Rivalry games are unpredictable, as displayed when <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/2026/01/5a-no-6-west-albany-upsets-no-1-south-albany-40-34/">West Albany defeated No. 1 South Albany in 5A on Friday</a> (and last season when South Salem defeated West Salem late in League play to place first in the Central Valley Conference). The Saxons tip off their first CVC game at home against Sprague on Tuesday. South Salem hosts West Salem in Week 8.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-instagram wp-block-embed-instagram"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://www.instagram.com/p/DTUcAMlDrJR/?img_index=1 </div></figure>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">12. Sheldon (11-2, 0-1)</h2>   <p>Strength of Schedule: Moderate/Weak</p>   <p>Points Scored: 639</p>   <p>Point Differential: 127</p>   <p>Notable Wins: West Albany, Summit</p>   <p>Sheldon had a rude awakening after a 69-38 blowout loss to power South Medford in its first league game of the season on Thursday night. The Irish had a tough time getting into their offense or getting a good look at the basket. While the team has an excellent record, it hasn't had a strong schedule. Kaya Trumball is an athletic guard who competes and creates. [player_tooltip player_id='1223938' first='Hayden' last='Kearney'] defends the paint and can hit from three-point range. Several players deep on the bench contribute to the scorebook. Sheldon travels to Grants Pass on Friday.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-instagram wp-block-embed-instagram"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://www.instagram.com/p/DTTxEKHkldh/?img_index=1 </div></figure>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Others Considered:</h2>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Beaverton (4-9)</h2>   <p>Strength of Schedule: Very Strong</p>   <p>Points Scored: 626</p>   <p>Point Differential: -57</p>   <p>Notable Wins: West Salem</p>   <p>Beaverton lost to powers West Linn 30-58 and Tualatin 49-58 in Week 6. The Beavers have played one of the strongest schedules in 6A and lost their starting point guard, [player_tooltip player_id='832048' first='Dara' last='Oluwafemi'], to injury in their third game of the season. Junior [player_tooltip player_id='925981' first='Ruby' last='Foord'], senior [player_tooltip player_id='1223843' first='Alexia' last='Braden'], and sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='1015768' first='Mila' last='Watson'] all had standout performances at the Holiday Classic in the Emerald bracket. Foord averaged 15.7 points (shooting 65% from the field) and 6.3 rebounds per game. Braden averaged 9.7 points and 4.7 rebounds per game. Watson averaged 11 points (shooting 41% from the field) and 3.7 rebounds per game. Once Watson gets more comfortable running the point without Oluwafemi in the backcourt with her, the Beavers could surprise some people. Beaverton goes to Southridge on Tuesday for its first Metro League game of the season.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Century (6-5)</h2>   <p>Strength of Schedule: Weak</p>   <p>Points Scored: 636</p>   <p>Point Differential: 112</p>   <p>Notable Wins: N/A</p>   <p>Century defeated David Douglas 85-34 and McNary 50-46 in nonleague games in Week 6. The Jaguars have no notable wins with a pretty weak schedule so far. The team did perform well in a loss against power South Medford at the Holiday Classic. Century goes to Forest Grove this week and hosts Sherwood in Week 8.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Oregon City (9-3)</h2>   <p>Strength of Schedule: Weak</p>   <p>Points Scored: 622</p>   <p>Point Differential: 119</p>   <p>Notable Wins: Lebanon</p>   <p>Oregon City lost by 2 points to ranked South Salem and defeated Glencoe 35-25. The Pioneers have one notable win against Lebanon in an overall weak schedule. They go to power Tualatin on Tuesday for their first Three Rivers League game of the season.</p>   <p></p>

Portland and Southwest opened league play last week, and the rest of 6A — Metro, Pacific, Mt. Hood, Three Rivers, and Central Valley — tip off league games in Week 7.