Gavin Gates, who once dazzled as the centerpiece of Estacada Rangers basketball, is back in the program — not as a player, but as a coach. After a standout high school career that earned first‑team all‑tournament honors and an honorable mention on the all‑state squad, Gates helped rewrite the team’s narrative, steering the Rangers to their best finish ever: a fifth‑place showing at the state tournament. That run marked the first time in more than half a century that Estacada broke into the Top 16, a milestone achieved by a senior class that had never previously qualified for the playoffs.
Cultural Shift on the Court
His reputation for leadership extends beyond statistics; teammates and coaches credit him with reshaping the locker‑room atmosphere and instilling a work ethic that prioritizes collective progress over individual accolades. Now, as an assistant under Travis McFarland, Gates brings that same drive to practice sessions and player development meetings, aiming to embed a sustainable culture that can weather future challenges.
Joining Gates is Jeff Mellema, a veteran of the Estacada School District with more than two decades of coaching experience. Mellema’s long‑standing presence in the community equips him with a deep network of mentors, parents, and alumni, all of whom are eager to support the program’s growth. Together, the duo positions itself as a bridge between tradition and innovation, promising stability while encouraging fresh ideas.
Both coaches have articulated a shared vision that blends competitive ambition with community outreach. By focusing on player mentorship, academic support, and local engagement, they hope to sustain the momentum generated by last season’s historic finish and to cultivate the next generation of Estacada basketball talent.