Oregon 7v7 in Review: Team Lillard

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>&nbsp; Everyone knows the name, with Team Lillard once again representing as one of the top programs in the West. This past 7v7 season was one of the best in the program's history, winning tournaments at every level (Varsity, 15u, 14u).&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lillard has done an outstanding job over the years with his organization. Houston, Aaron Kincy, and Director of Player Personnel RaShaad Carter have been mentors and role models for their athletes.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Separate from the Championships Team Lillard was incredibly successful at Pylon Mecca going 6-1, while finishing 4-2 at the Endzone tourney in Houston. Lillard's core group of 25's is as good as any in the NW. 6-4 220-pound QB [player_tooltip player_id='285857' first='Nolan' last='Keeney'] is maybe the fastest rising prospect in the NW with 4* TE [player_tooltip player_id='285855' first='Baron' last='Naone'] holding offers from the likes of Tennessee, Washington, Arizona St, and Oregon St. Both of those kids could end up ranking among the top players in the nation at their position when all is and done.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Speaking of rising quickly, Washington 4A Defensive Player of the Year<strong> David Kuku</strong> played lights out all season. The Kamiakin CB will likely add numerous offers over the summer, with Nebraska, Arizona St, and Washington St all offering among others. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Statistically [player_tooltip player_id='406767' first='Wyatt' last='Smiley'] and [player_tooltip player_id='274319' first='Luke' last='Baker'] were team leaders for Lillard this past season. At 6-4 Smiley is a 2x TRL Honorable Mention WR with Baker being one of the most versatile athletes in Oregon. You will see him be a 10-15 TD guy this coming year. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Other 25's ranking among Oregon's best include Top 10 prospect [player_tooltip player_id='152653' first='Zhaiel' last='Smith'] and one of the west coast's top slot receivers in [player_tooltip player_id='285868' first='Danny' last='Wideman']. Look for Smith to have a monster senior campaign and Wideman to go down statistically as one of the best receivers ever to come out of West Linn.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Ryder Keplar</strong> of Evergreen HS (WA), [player_tooltip player_id='904354' first='Xavier' last='Harris'], and [player_tooltip player_id='291819' first='Tyler' last='Newbury'] are additional athletes who will be ranked among the NW's best.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The excitement will continue with the 2026 group. Central Catholic DB [player_tooltip player_id='914282' first='James' last='Wade'] was recently named an Under Armour All American, with QB [player_tooltip player_id='1232699' first='Cade' last='Mitchell'] and all everything athlete [player_tooltip player_id='457009' first='Sam' last='Vyhlidal'] of Mountainside HS both looking like the real deal. As referenced numerous times, the 6-4 200-pound Vyhlidal is a major D1 prospect in football and baseball, with Mitchell potentially about to blow up on a national level.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Two other 26's to make note of include [player_tooltip player_id='914291' first='MJ' last='Kennybrew'] of West Linn and 6-4 TE [player_tooltip player_id='1110964' first='Cole' last='Newton'] of Tualatin. Kennybrew upped his stock over the 7v7 season with Newton being a Mid Major D1 type recruit.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I personally can't say enough good things about Lillard and his program. He has made a difference on and off the field for countless youth with the future being extremely bright.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->