The 2026 Wilsonville boys basketball season will be here before we know it. Last season, the Wildcats posted an imposing 27-4 record, ending 1st in their division, which no one wants on their schedule.
With star players from last season, like All-NWOC as well as Player of the Year, Cole Hammack, and 2nd Team All-NWOC, Emmitt Fee, both graduating, Wilsonville will be looking for a new threat in the paint after losing Fee.
With many key pieces graduating, Wilsonville is looking for new players for varsity, and having past starters and players who are not as experienced take on a bigger role, not only helping contribute but also helping develop new pieces.
This season, the Wildcats have a tough competitive schedule, hosting Mountainside in their home opener at the Holiday INN tournament.
Wilsonville will face strong competition in games through the Capital Classic and ongoing rivals with teams like West Linn and La Salle.
Senior Guard Brett Lyons, a returning varsity player from last season, recognises the importance of new leadership, stating, “Having to fill past seniors’ success on the court and off the court is very important, having to be very vocal off the jump, having our guys compete in every game and every practice and willing and being able to accept new roles to be able to play confident and good Basketball.”
The Wildcats last season possessed a very strong backcourt with Emmitt Fee and returning sophomore Michael Ratcliffe.
Both being a dominant force in the paint, Ratcliffe, last year as a freshman, had a huge impact and presence on the team, showing the bright future for not only him but for the program’s seasons to come.
Wilsonville last season had some spectacular moments, showing its competitive nature and spirit. With a 3rd place finish last season, the Wildcats know the tough road ahead of them to prove their legacy, but always come back for more.
Junior, Will Mania, recognizes that expectations pointing out “we need to be able to learn from past seniors, it’s going to help us start hot through their spirit and their leadership, and we know the tough road and future opponents.”
An expectation Wilsonville will have for itself is to continue being a dominant force. Lyons elaborates, “We have guys with lots of size and athleticism, which helps us on the offense and helps us be more aggressive in the paint.”
After last season losing to the eventual 5A champs, La Salle, in the semi-finals, Wilsonville is looking to hit the ground running this season with the goal to replicate success from past winning seasons.
With the first game being December 5th, preparation will be key for the start of the season, with the end goal being to bring a championship back to Wilsonville.