Brad Lackey, left, and his teammates have kept the standards high at Union year after year. (Photos by Alisha Jucevic/The Columbian)Photo Gallery
There’s a certain expectation to be had in a program that’s won eight consecutive 4A Greater St. Helens League titles.
For the Union Titans, they’ve seen what it takes to be a league champion.
“Because of that,” coach Blake Conley said, “they know the blueprint to follow in terms of chemistry and buy into what we’re trying to do. It’s harder when you haven’t had success sometimes because if the kids are humble enough to learn from the groups before them, they have the blueprint. They look at it with that mindset not that we have to keep the streak alive, but they look at it what did the group before us do and let’s build on that.”
And the blueprint for Union is pretty hefty if the Titans are going to win their ninth league title — either shared or outright — in a row. Three players with starting experience — Brad Lackey, Tanner Toolson, and Josh Reznick — are back off a Titans team that reached the Tacoma Dome.
The top three 4A GSHL teams advance to the bi-district tournament.
Skyview and Battle Ground, both playoff teams a season ago, each return three starters. The Storm, which shared the league title with Union two seasons ago when it last reached the 4A state tournament, is powered by all-leaguer Kyle Gruhler. Battle Ground is poised for another playoff run behind the size of 6-foot-9 Gonzaga commit Kaden Perry and guard Brendan Beall. Last season’s run to the Tacoma Dome was the Tigers’ first since 2002.
Camas has a wealth of championship experience on its roster — Jackson Clemmer, Blake Asciutto — from its 4A title-winning football team. Heritage looks to gain more ground under second-year coach Brian Childs.
Projected finish
Picks by Columbian sports staff
1) Union — Titans have speed, athleticism, shooting — what’s new?
2) Battle Ground — Tigers poised to make another postseason run behind Gonzaga commit Kaden Perry.
3) Skyview — Can Kyle Gruhler’s veteran experience help lead Storm past bi-districts?
4) Camas — Will Papermakers’ championship in football carry over to playoff success in basketball?
5) Heritage — Timberwolves continue to make upward strides under head coach Brian Childs.
Morning Briefing Newsletter
Get a rundown of the latest local and regional news every Mon-Fri morning.
