Oregon 7v7 in Review: Team Lillard
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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,…
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Continue ReadingEveryone 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).
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.
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 Nolan Keeney Nolan Keeney 6'4" | 205 lbs | QB Tualatin | 2025 State OR is maybe the fastest rising prospect in the NW with 4* TE Baron Naone Baron Naone 6'4" | 225 lbs | TE West Linn | 2025 State OR 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.
Speaking of rising quickly, Washington 4A Defensive Player of the Year David Kuku 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.
Statistically Wyatt Smiley Wyatt Smiley 6'4" | 180 lbs | WR West Linn | 2025 State OR and Luke Baker Luke Baker 5'11" | 175 lbs | ATH Clackamas | 2025 State OR 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.
Other 25’s ranking among Oregon’s best include Top 10 prospect Zhaiel Smith Zhaiel Smith 6'0" | 185 lbs | ATH Central Catholic | 2025 State OR and one of the west coast’s top slot receivers in Danny Wideman Danny Wideman 5'10" | 175 lbs | ATH West Linn | 2025 State OR . 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.
Ryder Keplar of Evergreen HS (WA), Xavier Harris Xavier Harris 5'11" | 160 lbs | DB West Linn | 2025 State OR , and Tyler Newbury Tyler Newbury 6'1" | 180 lbs | ATH Central Catholic | 2025 State OR are additional athletes who will be ranked among the NW’s best.
The excitement will continue with the 2026 group. Central Catholic DB James Wade James Wade 5'11" | 165 lbs | WR Central Catholic | 2026 State OR was recently named an Under Armour All American, with QB Cade Mitchell Cade Mitchell 6'3" | 200 lbs | QB Mountainside | 2026 State OR and all everything athlete Sam Vyhlidal Sam Vyhlidal 6'4" | 205 lbs | ATH Mountainside | 2026 State OR 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.
Two other 26’s to make note of include MJ Kennybrew MJ Kennybrew 6'1" | 160 lbs | DB West Linn | 2026 State OR of West Linn and 6-4 TE Cole Newton Cole Newton 6'3" | 210 lbs | TE Tualatin | 2026 State OR of Tualatin. Kennybrew upped his stock over the 7v7 season with Newton being a Mid Major D1 type recruit.
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.