A New Chapter for Estacada Basketball
The Estacada Rangers capped a breakthrough season with a 5th-place finish at the state tournament, the program's best result in over half a century. The achievement marked the first time the team broke into the Top 16 after decades of limited playoff appearances, underscoring a cultural shift within the squad.
To capitalize on that momentum, the school announced the addition of two assistant coaches, Gavin Gates and Jeff Mellema, who will join head coach Travis McFarland in shaping the next chapter of the program.
Gates, a recent graduate of the Rangers' own pipeline, arrives after a standout playing career that earned first‑team all‑tournament honors and an honorable mention on the all‑state team. His intimate familiarity with the program's ethos and his proven ability to connect with younger athletes position him as a natural leader in the locker room.
Mellema brings more than two decades of coaching experience within the Estacada School District. Known for his analytical approach and steady presence, he will serve as a mentor to both players and staff, reinforcing the program's strategic foundation and day‑to‑day operations.
Together, the new assistants are expected to deepen player development, refine game preparation, and sustain the cultural improvements Gates helped ignite on the court. Their combined expertise aims to transform the recent state success into a consistent competitive presence in future tournaments.