Jesuit Boys’ Basketball is moving on to the second round of the OSAA 6A playoffs after a commanding first-round victory over Gresham in the Knight Gym this past Wednesday.
The Crusaders entered the postseason with high expectations, riding a six-game winning streak that included statement victories over Westview and Southridge—two teams that had bested them earlier in the season. Fueled by confidence and determination, Jesuit wasted no time asserting their dominance, capitalizing on elite three-point shooting and a dynamic, adaptable offense.
With a packed gym and an electric playoff atmosphere, both teams came out with energy, eager to punch their ticket to the next round. Gresham’s junior guard Kareem Artharee opened the game with a three-pointer, but Jesuit quickly settled in, using the momentum to their advantage.
"Going into the game, we knew the energy would be high, and we had to set the tone early. There were definitely some nerves, but once we hit the floor, it was all about staying locked in and playing our game," said Ryan Fraser on the preparation and start of the game.
Despite Gresham’s early hot shooting, the Crusaders responded in force. Seniors Ryan Fraser and Patrick Kilfoil led the offensive charge, with Jesuit moving the ball fluidly and making quick, instinctive decisions on the court. The second quarter followed a similar script—Fraser continued his efficient shooting from beyond the arc, while sophomores Major Williams and Isaac Bongen provided key contributions on both ends of the floor coming in the form of threes and steals.
Meanwhile, Gresham’s offense began to stall. In an attempt to shift the momentum, the Gophers turned to a high press defense. However, Jesuit’s backcourt remained unfazed, breaking through the pressure with ease and maintaining control of the game.
By halftime, the Crusaders held an 18-point lead, allowing them to rotate their bench and keep fresh legs on the floor. But even with a comfortable advantage, Jesuit never let up. Relentless on both ends, they extended their lead to 34 points by the final buzzer, leaving no doubt about the outcome.
Senior Grady Keljo, a force on the rebounds, reflected on their game performance.
"Once we got into a rhythm, everything just started clicking. We were moving the ball, knocking down shots, and locking in on defense. At that point, it was about keeping our foot on the gas and not letting up."
The exclamation point came in the final minutes when junior Sam Curvy electrified the crowd with an and-one dunk, followed by a basket from junior Quinn Wicklow to put the finishing touches on an already decisive victory. Fraser and Kilfoil led the scoring effort, each dropping 17 points to power Jesuit into the next round. The game ended 93-59 in favor of the Crusaders.
Up next, the Crusaders will travel to Nelson on Saturday for a crucial second-round matchup. Nelson, boasting a 21-5 record, has secured notable wins over Barlow and Central Catholic—two of Oregon’s top 6A teams. This game will be a far greater test for Jesuit, demanding their best basketball to keep their playoff run alive.
That being said, the Crusaders are surging at the right time. Now on a seven-game winning streak, they appear to be peaking just as the playoffs heat up, giving them plenty of confidence heading into Saturday’s showdown.
Captain Patrick Kilfoil was proud of the performance.
"We took care of business tonight, but we know the next game is going to be a whole different challenge. Nelson is a tough team, and we have to be ready to bring our best. We're playing our best basketball right now, and we’re confident in what we can do."
