A day after he was named to the Class 4A all-tournament team in the Tacoma Dome, a day after he helped the Union boys basketball team to a fourth-place trophy, Cameron Cranston was back in the gym.
“There really is no offseason. I love working on my game every day,” Cranston said. “Now that the season is over, another chapter is about to begin. No time to wait.”
Cranston, a junior, was voted the Class 4A Greater St. Helens League’s player of the year by opposing coaches. In the postseason, he had a 15-point, 10-rebound game. There was a 25-point effort that included the shot of the year for Clark County basketball — a buzzer-beating 3-pointer to send the Titans to the dome. And in the dome, he scored 20 points in back-to-back games as the Titans took home a trophy.
No wonder Cameron Cranston is The Columbian’s All-Region boys basketball player of the year.
And it took him less than a day after the season ended to look forward to next year.
“I want to make it the best it can be,” he said.
The Titans have made it to the dome back-to-back seasons. Cranston is hoping for the trifecta.
“Playing under the bright lights,” he said. “It’s crazy walking on that hardwood, hearing the basketball bounce there. It’s one of the best feelings in a high school basketball career.”
Some wondered if this year’s team could make it there. Last year’s squad was loaded, ranked No. 1 or No. 2 in the state almost all season. Cranston, though, was the lone returning starter from that squad.
Union did not miss a beat. His teammates, who were role players last year, stepped into starting positions and shined. Then there was Cranston, who acknowledged he was more of a catch-and-shoot guy last year but worked every day to improve all aspects of the game.
His coach, Blake Conley, said Cranston changed from a liability on defense to one of the best defensive players on the team in one year, for example.
“I put in a lot of time over the years. It feels great to get recognition. But I can’t take any of the glory,” Cranston said. “God gave me the skills. I try to use them every day to glorify Him.”
He credits his teammates, too, for their support. If he was having a bad day, or a tough game, they were there for him.
“More than just friends,” Cranston said. “Truly my brothers.”
The most magical moment for Cranston this past season had his brothers — and practically half the school — jumping on or around him in a pile of celebration at the Class 4A state regional game against Bellarmine Prep.
The Titans had blown a 15-point fourth-quarter lead. The Lions tied it with 30 seconds to play. It was all set up for Cranston, the guy who missed the final shot in the semifinals as a sophomore.
Cameron. Cranston. Clutch.
That’s what The Columbian wrote after he made the shot, after his teammates tackled him, after the fans rushed the court.
“It’s definitely up there as one of the greatest moments in my life so far,” Cranston said.
So far.
Because Cranston is back in the gym, working on his game, hoping for more great moments.
All-Region boys basketball team
REST OF FIRST TEAM
Tyrus Hosley, Evergreen
Hosley led the Plainsmen to the district title game and a berth to bi-district playoff, scoring 19.6 points per game.
Denis Kirichenko, Union
A post who can bury a clutch 3-pointer, Kirichenko broke the school record for most rebounds in a season.
Ethan Unger, Camas
Averaged close to 15 points per game, leading the Papermakers to second-place finish in the 4A GSHL.
Andrew Vickers, Columbia River
Controlled both sides of the court. Averaged 14 points per game, but was one of best on floor even without scoring.
Kienan Walter, King’s Way Christian
Willed a team crushed with bad luck (illness, injury) back to the state tournament. Led region in scoring (22.3 ppg).
SECOND TEAM
Greg Bernash, Prairie
Simply put, he could take over a game with his fundamentally sound, picture-perfect post moves.
Nico Bricker, Union
Prototypical do-what’s-best-for-the-team guy. He needed no glory. Just had a hunger for the ball and wins.
Jake Hansel, Camas
Papermakers remained calm after slow start against a tough schedule, then Hansel and Co. went on a roll.
Jacob Hjort, Columbia River
His range is pretty much anywhere in the gym. Helped the Chieftains to a share of league title and top seed.
Spencer Long, Columbia River
Great touch on his outside shot, plus the muscle to get inside, move mountains, and get baskets the hard way.
Tanner Sixberry, Woodland
Led balanced attack with 14 points per game, helping Woodland to the state tourney for first time since 1985.
