Royals Recap: Varsity Boys Basketball
The Portland Christian Royals continued one of the most impressive runs in program history during the 2025–26 season, capturing their third straight Northwest League championship and advancing once again to the OSAA 2A Final Four in Pendleton.
From the start of the season, the Royals established themselves as one of the most dominant teams in Oregon 2A basketball. Portland Christian rolled through league play with a perfect 14–0 Northwest League record, combining a high-powered offense with a disciplined defensive effort that held opponents to just over 36 points per game. The team regularly produced decisive victories, including an 87–30 win over Faith Bible and a 76–16 victory over Knappa that secured the league title.
The Royals’ momentum carried into the postseason. In the opening round of the state playoffs, Portland Christian delivered a commanding 94–30 victory over Toledo, punching their ticket to the state tournament in Pendleton. Once there, the Royals showed why they have become a perennial contender, defeating Lowell 78–31 in the state quarterfinals to advance to the Final Four for the third consecutive season.
Portland Christian’s tournament run came to a close in a tightly contested 47–44 semifinal matchup with Regis, a defensive battle that remained close until the final minutes.
The season was marked not only by wins but by the continued strength of the program. With a 28–2 overall record and another league championship, the Royals reinforced their reputation as one of the most consistent and competitive programs in Oregon 2A basketball.
Most importantly, the Royals demonstrated the character and teamwork that have come to define the program. With another league title, a deep playoff run, and a group of players committed to competing together and representing Portland Christian well, the 2025–26 season stands as another strong step in the continued growth and success of PC basketball.
The Royals were led by Keylon Kittleson, who averaged 15 points and 8 assists per game. Zane Ozier added 14 points per game, while Josiah Harris-Skidmore averaged 13 points and Ethan Larner contributed 12 points per game, giving the team a balanced scoring attack. In the post, Hudson Calhoun anchored the interior, averaging 8 rebounds per game and providing key defensive presence for the Royals.
Several Royals received Northwest League All-League recognition. Keylon Kittleson was named NWL Player of the Year, while Josiah Harris-Skidmore and Zane Ozier earned First Team All-League honors. Graham Calhoun and Ethan Larner were named Second Team All-League, with Hudson Calhoun receiving Honorable Mention recognition. On the defensive end, Ethan Larner was named NWL Defensive Player of the Year, while Graham Calhoun and Josiah Harris-Skidmore were selected to the All-League Defensive Team.
Reflecting on the season, Coach Lyslo shared his pride in the group that includes seven seniors in their last season with the team:
“I am once again incredibly proud of the team I was able to coach this year at Portland Christian. I’ve coached many of these kids since they were in third and fourth grade, including my own son, and seeing the success they’ve had over the last four years of high school has been incredible.
Their ability to grow spiritually through our devotionals before practice each day, perform on the court at a high level, and succeed in the classroom with Academic All-State honors makes this an incredible group of kids. A 98–17 record overall, four state playoff berths, three straight state tournament appearances, three straight league championships, 47 consecutive league wins, two state runner-up finishes, and a 5th place finish are just some of the accomplishments of this group.
The trips, the dinners, the memories, and the experiences will last a lifetime. I have no doubt that each of these seniors—and our younger players as well—will have bright futures beyond high school basketball. We are so appreciative of the support from our families, our school, and our community.”