With just seven games remaining on their schedule, the Cleveland boys basketball team is looking dominant.

The Warriors’ record stands at 15-3 overall and 9-1 within the PIL. They are currently ranked third in the state behind Tualatin (13-2) and Summit (17-0), which also puts them first place in the PIL.

Coming into the season, Cleveland was not expected to reach these heights, as only five players from last year’s team returned.

The main reason for Cleveland overcoming that expectation has been the progress their juniors have made, with Jackson Cooper, Christian Green, and Jamel Pichon stepping up in bigger roles than last season.

Seniors Lawson Vella and Stephen Treat have been especially key to the team’s success, since the lack of experience on the roster has created a need for senior leadership.

Cleveland’s nucleus is their guard play. Their guards are unselfish with the ball, which puts every player in a position to score double digits.

The Warriors impressed with a run at the Les Schwab Invitational tournament, which included big performances from Green, who averaged 17.3 points and 9.3 rebounds, and Vella who put up 30 points in a huge win over #15 Lake Oswego. Cleveland also knocked off #14 Jesuit and #22 David Douglas in the tournament.

After a 66-54 win over Roosevelt on Feb. 3, the Warriors now look to defend the top spot in PIL for the rest of the season, which starts with a busy week with games against #29 Ida B. Wells, #9 Roosevelt, and #17 Benson.