Evergreen's Mario Herring (24) and Kelso's Josh Webb (2) are two of the top returners in the 3A Greater St. Helens League. (Photos by Alisha Jucevic/The Columbian)Photo Gallery
Who is the face of the 3A Greater St. Helens League?
For the past several years, that answer has been easy. Prairie’s Kam Osborn and Kelso’s Shaw Anderson. With both graduated, the elite individual talent that drew fans from around Southwest Washington to watch the best of the league may make way for balanced scoring loads and more team-oriented basketball.
That is, of course, if Evergreen’s supreme athleticism doesn’t steal the show first. Led by 6-foot-5 Mario Herring, the Plainsmen’s starting five is the most talented in the league. Carter Monda and Zyell Griffin are matchup problems.
“They have every piece they need,” Kelso coach Joe Kinch said.
Still, several coaches eyed Prairie as the league favorite. With Aidan Fraly as the primary scorer, and Zeke Dixson due back from injury for league season, the Falcons are experienced and defensive-minded.
“(Kyle) Brooks is so good,” Fort Vancouver coach James Ensley said. “He just gets amazing things out of his kids by the end of the season.”
Kinch, too, earned fellow coaches’ praise as many believe the Hilanders will quickly reload. They’ll lean more on the group’s athleticism, including from football standouts Dillon Davis and Josh Webb.
Fort Vancouver has guards Kahlil Singleton and Tre Cannon ready to make some noise and Hudson’s Bay features talented seniors Trenton Jackson and Tony King.
Mountain View, with Kaden Horn transferring out of the program, will rely on a trio of guards (Austin Lee, Colby Smith and Mason Wulf) to handle the scoring load for a Thunder team that finished 11-12 last season.
Projected finish
Picks by Columbian sports staff
1. Prairie — Defensively, this team is going to be mighty tough.
2. Evergreen — The Plainsmen clearly have the most talent in the league.
3. Kelso — Joe Kinch’s squad will have to find a new identity with Shaw Anderson’s departure.
4. Fort Vancouver — The Trappers aren’t going to be an easy out.
5. Mountain View — Kaden Horn’s transfer leaves a scoring hole for the Thunder to fill.
6. Hudson’s Bay — With only one returning starter, the Eagles are going to take their lumps.
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