UNION — Prior to one free throw being made or one foul being called, the state’s coaches are eyeing Union as a top-five team in the state.

The Oregon School Activities Association released the preseason basketball poll on Monday, Nov. 27, and the Bobcats hold down the fourth position among the state’s 1A teams. The Crane Mustangs sit atop the poll with Trinity Lutheran picked second and Nixyaawii third.

Coach Odin Miller’s team look to prove the poll is correct, hosting Harper Charter at the Union Lions Tournament on Dec. 1 with the game slated to start at 7 p.m.

The preseason poll also gives nods to Cove and Imbler. Although not in the top 10 in the voting, both teams picked up significant votes, with the Leopards finding 21 votes among the state’s coaches and the Panthers picking up 13 votes.

The Leopards open the season on their home court against Elkton on Dec. 1 in the Living Water Irrigation Classic with tipoff scheduled for 7:30 p.m.

Imbler also opens the season at home against Notus, Idaho, on Nov. 30, with the game starting at 8 p.m.