Buckets in the 503

“Eight teams. Three days. One champion.The Chiles Center was electric — overtime battles, statement wins, and a championship that came down to one point.From Benson’s run… to Jesuit locking teams up… to Central Catholic looking like a machine…And then Tualatin finishing the job when it mattered most.We’re breaking down the biggest moments, the top performers, and how it all unfolded on Oregon’s biggest stage.

“Eight teams remain… but only four will make it to the Chiles Center.A #1 seed just went down on a game-winner in overtime. A double-overtime thriller sent Clackamas through. Grant pulled off a statement upset. And Central Catholic looks like a machine.Now the matchups are set:Benson vs Clackamas. Sherwood vs Tualatin. Jesuit vs Oregon City. Grant vs Central Catholic.The road to the 6A State Championship runs through Portland.

we’re breaking down everything from Round 1 of the 6A playoffs — the biggest wins, the standout performances, and the upsets that shook the bracket.From Southridge and Central Catholic making statements to players stepping up under the playoff lights — we’ve got it all.And then we look ahead to Round 2, previewing the matchups and making our predictions on who’s moving one step closer to the Chiles Center.Tap in — this is Buckets in the 503.” 🏀🔥

Director of PortlandBoyz AAU and SEI Director.We’re diving into grassroots basketball, building programs the right way, navigating the AAU circuit, and what it really takes to elevate Portland hoops on a national level. We’ll also talk about keeping top talent home, why playing for local programs matters, and his take on the current 6A landscape.From culture to competition, leadership to legacy — this conversation goes way beyond the game.Tap in.

“The bracket is set.No more hypotheticals. No more projections.Now it’s matchups, pressure, and survive-and-advance.Who’s making the Final Four? Who’s primed for an upset? Which top seed should be nervous? And who’s cutting down the nets in 6A?We’re breaking down the entire bracket — region by region — with bold picks, upset alerts, and championship predictions.March is here.

“This week in Oregon high school hoops? Absolute chaos.Oregon City survives Lake Oswego in overtime. Southridge puts up 88 in a Metro showdown. Central Catholic keeps rolling. And Benson locks down Lincoln in the PIL.Overtime games. League shakeups. MVP races heating up.This week preview 2/24-2/27Jesuit heads to Southridge in a Metro showdown with playoff seeding on the line.Central Catholic travels to Nelson — can Braylon Gaines shake up the Mt. Hood race?West Linn at Oregon City — that’s a Three Rivers statement game.And Friday? Benson at Roosevelt, plus West Linn at Tualatin — that’s bracket impact basketball.February basketball just hit another level.

On this episode of Buckets in the 503, we break down the Top Performers of the 1st Week in Febuary — huge scoring nights, clutch overtime buckets, and guys delivering against ranked opponents.Then we react to the updated OSAA Top 20 — who moved up, who slid, and which teams the numbers love… but the eye test still questions.League play is tight. Margins are thin. And March is coming fast.

AAU season is right around the corner — and recruiting is already happening.On this episode of Buckets in the 503, we break down what AAU season really looks like right now. What players and families need to ask… And how to find the right fit — not just the biggest name.From exposure to development to recruiting reality, this is the AAU conversation everyone needs to hear.

“The OSAA Top 20 is out… but do the rankings really match what we’re seeing on the floor?On this episode of Buckets in the 503, we'll break down the OSAA top 20 and break the teams into TeirsWe break down contenders ,upcoming big matchup and our take on Player of the year canidates.

League play is officially hereOn this episode of Buckets in the 503, we’re breaking down the biggest games of the week: Oregon City vs. Tualatin, Grant vs. Benson, Clackamas vs. Barlow, Southridge vs. Beaverton, and more statement wins across the state.We highlight the top performers, check in on conference races, and kick off the early MVP watchlists as the season heats up.

A father and son conversation after one of the biggest weekends of the season — the Les Schwab Invitational.Beating the #1 team in Oregon… Taking down the #1 team in Washington… Facing national talent on the biggest stage… And breaking down what it really feels like when the pressure is on.This isn’t about stats — it’s about growth, work ethic, trust, and the journey behind the scenes.

“On this episode of Buckets in the 503, we’re sitting down with Eli & Alijah — two guards who showed out when the lights were brightest.Big games. Big moments. Pressure possessions. And performances that turned heads on a national stage.We talk about competing against top-ranked teams, trusting your work when the pressure ramps up, and what it takes to stay locked in when everyone’s watching.

“Back with a LSI recap addition on Buckets in the 503.We’re diving deeper into the Les Schwab Invitational — what the numbers didn’t show, the matchups that changed momentum, and what those games revealed about Oregon hoops moving forward.How teams adjusted on short rest… Who earned real respect on the national stage… And which performances carry over into league play.If you thought the first recap told the story — this one fills in the gaps.🎧 LSI Recap Addition — now live on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Amazon Music.

The Les Schwab Invitational is HERE — and this is where seasons change.We’re breaking down the biggest matchups, making our picks, and putting confidence levels on everything — locks, leans, and upset alerts.From national powers coming into Oregon… To local heavyweights like Central Catholic, Southridge, Tualatin, and Oregon City battling on a neutral floor… This tournament doesn’t lie.🎧 Full Les Schwab Invitational breakdown and picks

The Capitol City Classic delivered big-time hoops — close games, out-of-state battles, and players stepping up when it mattered most.We saw Tualatin lock up third place with a balanced attack… Sherwood survive a thriller for fourth… Nelson and Benson with great games … And multiple guys put together statement performances on a neutral floor.We break down every key game, the top performers, and what this tournament tells us moving forward.

The new 6A Coaches Poll just dropped — and it’s already shaking things up.Central Catholic stays at #1 despite a tough start… Southridge and Oregon City are climbing fast… Lake Oswego and Barlow force their way into the Top 10… And a few familiar names are sliding after brutal early schedules.We break down what the coaches are really saying — who’s legit, who’s rising, and who’s built for February and March.

We had top-10 battles at the Sherwood Shootout… Southridge knocking off #3 Tualatin in a tournament final… Beaverton upsetting Lake Oswego… Central Catholic looking every bit like the #1 team… And stars like Jemai Lake, Maddyn Cummings, RJ Barhoum, Eli Hopkins, and TKO Westbrook lighting it up all week long.From the coaches poll shake-up to breakout performances — Week 1 delivered EVERYTHING.

5A basketball in Oregon is looking crazy this year.We’ve got returning stars… breakout sophomores… new transfers… and a whole lineup of teams ready to make a real run at the 5A title.Which programs are poised for a big jump? Who’s slipping? And which team has the pieces to dominate from Day 1?We’re breaking it all down — contenders, sleepers, and our full 5A preseason power rankings.

The Metro League is back, and this year might be the most competitive we’ve seen in a decade.Can Southridge build on the momentum they finished with last season? Does Jesuit have enough experience to climb back to the top? What about Sunset, Mountainside, Beaverton, Westview, and Aloha — who’s rising, who’s rebuilding, and who’s ready to shock the league?And with so many young players stepping into bigger roles, the youth movement in the Metro is REAL.Tap in as we break down the contenders, the sleepers, and our full preseason rankings.

The PIL looks completely different this year, and we’re breaking it all down in our preseason rankings episode.Where do last year’s champions, Roosevelt, land in this year’s list? Which programs are rising fast thanks to the youth movement taking over the league? And who’s poised to make the biggest jump in Portland high school basketball?We’ve got surprises, sleepers, and a whole new look at the city hoop scene.

We’re dropping our official 6A Preseason Top 10 — and Oregon hoops is about to be WILD this year.From Central Catholic holding down the #1 spot… to Tualatin, Southridge, Nelson, Jesuit, and the rest of the top teams gearing up for a run — this ranking is loaded with talent, storylines, and championship expectations.We break down every team, who’s rising, who’s underrated, and which squads are built for Chiles in March.

We’re breaking down Oregon’s Class of 2028 — the next generation of hoopers already making noise across the state.From rising guards to long, skilled wings and bigs with real upside… this class is deeper and more advanced than people realize. We talk standouts, sleepers, and who’s got the potential to be the next breakout star in Oregon high school basketball.

We sat down with Centennial Head Coach Demetrius McQuarn, fresh off a 14–12 season and a top-15 OSAA ranking — and he’s got the Eagles locked in for a big year.Coach talks about the return of Sincere Powe and Darius Andrews, plus the impact of transfers Sebastian Larsen and Je’Mel Baker, and what it will take for Centennial to elevate in one of the toughest leagues in Oregon.

We sat down with Coach Daniel Blanks of Adrianne C. Nelson High School — one of the fastest-rising programs in Oregon hoops.Coach talks about building culture, bouncing back from that tough second-round loss to Jesuit, and leading a talented group led by junior guard Braylon Gaines, incoming transfer Carter Lockhart, and a dedicated coaching staff that’s all-in.

We sat down with Coach Erik Lyslo, one of the most respected Coaches in the game. to talk culture, development, and what it takes to build a program the right way.Coach breaks down his philosophy, the leaders in his locker room, and how he’s helping his players grow on the court and as young men — plus what’s next for his program this season.

In this episode of Buckets in the 503, we sit down with Daren Kalish, whose basketball journey has taken him from the college sidelines to the corporate and professional side of the game.Daren shares how he went from recruiting at Loyola Marymount University and the University of Oregon to leading grassroots basketball as the Adidas Director of Grassroots Basketball , and now serving as the Director of Client Management, representing and supporting professional athletes across the country.We talk about the business of basketball, relationships, mentorship, and what it really takes to transition from the coaching world into player management at the highest level.Daren’s journey shows that basketball isn’t just a game — it’s a network, a business, and a platform for growth. Whether you’re a coach, player, parent, or fan, there’s something in here for you.

We’re back with Jed Tai from @PrepHoopsOR to break down the updated 2027 class rankings — who’s rising, who’s underrated, and how these young hoopers are already making noise across Oregon. Jed talks about what goes into building the rankings, and which players could blow up this season.

We sat down with Braylon Gaines — one of Oregon’s most dynamic young guards — to talk about his grind, his mindset, and what’s fueling his game heading into the new season.He’s confident, competitive, and hungry to prove he’s one of the top players in the state.

We sat down with Elijah Thompson, one of Oregon’s top guards in the Class of 2027, to talk about his journey, his leadership at Southridge, and the work he’s been putting in all offseason.From late-night workouts to big-stage performances — Elijah’s locked in and ready to prove he’s one of the best in the state.

This week we’re sitting down with Coach Ryan Orton, head coach at Western Oregon University — talking about building a winning culture at the D2 level, developing Oregon talent, and what it really takes to make the jump from high school to college basketball.Coach Orton breaks down recruiting, mindset, and what separates good players from great ones — plus, gives us a look at what to expect from the Wolves this season.

In this episode, we sit down with Jed Tai, Prep Hoops Oregon’s lead evaluator, to talk about his latest 2026 class rankings — what goes into the process, how the top players earned their spots, and which prospects are trending up heading into the 2025–26 season.We debate the toughest calls, and spotlight players who may not be ranked yet but deserve to be in the conversation.How the rankings are built – what factors Jed and Prep Hoops value mostBreaking down the top players – Jemai Lake, Zamir Paschal, Robbie Long, Adrian Montague, Bryce Lowenbach, and moreHow evaluation differs between projection and productionPlayers who should be mentioned – the sleepers, late bloomers, and rising prospects in Oregon’s 2026 class

In this episode, Buckets in the 503 sits down with Eli Hopkins, one of Oregon’s rising guards who’s been putting in serious work this offseason. Eli talks about what he’s been focused on, how his leadership is evolving, and what to expect from his squad heading into the 2025–26 season.He shares his NBA comparison, the game he’s got circled on the calendar, and even shouts out a few teammates who might surprise people this year.

In this episode of Buckets in the 503, we sit down with a parent reflecting on their son’s journey — from youth leagues and long road trips to his first year as a college freshman.It’s about more than basketball — it’s about growth, sacrifice, and watching your kid chase a dream one step at a time.🎙️ Tune in for real stories, real emotion, and the heart behind every player’s journey.

The Spotlight Invitational was 🔥 — packed gyms, big-time performances, and Oregon hoopers stepping into the spotlight. In our recap episode of Buckets in the 503, we break it all down — the atmosphere, the standout players, the sleepers, and what it all means heading into the 2025–26 season.Catch the full recap now — only on Buckets in the 503

In this episode, we sit down with some of the top talent at the Spotlight Invitational and let the players tell their own stories. Listen as they reveal:🏀 Their NBA comparisons – who they model their game after📅 The games they have circled on their high school calendar this season👀 Which teammate is a sleeper ready to break out this year🔦 How the Spotlight Invitational helps their game and prepares them for the season aheadFeatured Players:Sebastian Larsen – CentennialIsaac Bongen – Central CatholicJaxson Lawson – CanbyDarius Andrew – CentennialLiam Rigney – Lake OswegoTko Westbrook – South SalemMuhammed Carter – Ida B. WellsElijah Thompson – SouthridgeRigdhen Khyungra – La SalleKahllel Jackson – JeffersonCarter Lockhart – NelsonMaddox Young – BarlowJamela Baker – CentennialRocco Ebenal – Sunset

This week on Buckets in the 503, we flip the script and hear the dad’s side of the basketball journey — transfers, recruiting, and what it’s like watching your kid grind on the biggest stages. Guest Corey Lockhart father of Carter Lockhart 2028 #1 player in Oregon. Corey is also a former coach at West Linn, Park Rose and Gresham High School.

In this episode of Buckets in the 503, we dive into one of the hottest topics in Oregon high school basketball: player transfers. From powerhouse programs to small-town gyms, transfers are shaping the landscape of hoops across the state. But what does it mean for players, teams, and the community?Transfers are part of the new normal in Oregon high school hoops.Every decision has trade-offs — success depends on preparation and fit.Final thought: “The jersey might change, but the grind stays the same.”

“This week on Buckets in the 503, we dive deep into AAU basketball and the college recruiting grind. From the importance of exposure and highlight reels to the role of academics, social media, and NIL, our guestKumbeno Memory breaks down what Oregon hoopers need to know to take their game to the next level.”

The highlight of the show is a special interview with Coach Sean Kelly of La Salle Prep, fresh off guiding his team to the 5A State Championship. Coach Kelly shares his insight on:The journey to winning the title and the toughest challenges along the way.Building a championship culture at La Salle Prep.How his program integrates new players, including the impact of transfers moving from 6A to 5A leagues.His thoughts on the evolving landscape of Oregon high school basketball.The conversation goes beyond X’s and O’s — Coach Kelly offers perspective on leadership, community, and what it means to guide young athletes in today’s competitive environment.

IntroMeet your hosts: Ne’Juan Thompson & Curtis WilliamsQuick rundown of what listeners can expect from the showSeason RecapHighlights and storylines from the 2024–25 Oregon high school basketball seasonStandout players, teams, and memorable gamesFeatured Interview (14:44 mark)Guest: Tom JohnsonInsights, experiences, and perspective on Oregon high school hoopsWrap UpKey takeaways from the episodeTease what’s coming next on Buckets in the 503