Freshman center Michael Ratcliffe has shown his strong ability in the paint and through his defensive dominance during the 2025 campaign. Starting at the center position for the Cats as a freshman, Ratcliffe has been a very strong asset to this season. Ratcliffe was ranked 2nd in the class of 2028 for Boys basketball in Oregon by prep hoops at the start of the season due to his high skill set and athletic ability, in addition to his 6 ‘8’’ frame.
Ratcliffe shows his athletic ability through games and practices through his defensive presence, adding to his off-ball offensive attacking ability by attacking the paint although most of his dominance comes from the post.
Ratcliffe reflected on his first year playing at Wilsonville establishing, “It’s been very good playing here at Wilsonville We’ve found very good form offensively, getting into good form for playoffs to make a run.” Ratcliffe praises his teammates for welcoming him and helping him throughout the season by stating, “My teammates and coaches, they have helped me adapt as a starter.”
Ratcliffe exclaimed the growth of him and his teammates on and off the court, adapting chemistry building into the postseason and looking to win state. The end goal being a championship back in Wilsonville for the first time since the 2022-2023 season after making the State last year but being defeated. Ratcliffe stated all the high moments so far in his career at Wilsonville especially during the summer tournament in Palm Springs.
Basketball means everything to Ratcliffe; through practices and games, Ratcliffe expresses thankfulness for his coaches and teammates at Wilsonville, giving him the opportunity to compete against opponents. Ratcliffe asserts his dominance by always making an effort on both sides of the basketball.
Ratcliffe reflected on his first season and being able to be a major contributor in saying, “We have a deep, good roster with good team chemistry and that has shown through the results this season.”
Giving it all out on the court is what Ratcliffe stands for as he sets goals for success. Ratcliffe said, “It will always be my goal to leave it all on the court because basketball is something I will always cherish.”
Ratcliffe has high hopes going into the post-season and he wants to make a huge impact for his teammates, and coaches to compete at the highest level. Wilsonville will continue to prove their place as a strong team by defending quickly and remaining selfless on offense.