‘He really inspired me.’ Jaden Steppe follows in older brother’s footsteps, becomes key contributor on Tualatin state tournament team

“I watched my brother play at the tournament. I definitely think about that a lot now, and it really helps me.”

By Dan Brood | Photos by Dan Brood 

Before this year, the last time the Tualatin boys basketball team earned a chance to play in the Class 6A state tournament was in 2018. 

That season, the Timberwolves claimed their state tournament berth in dramatic fashion. 

Playing at McNary in a state playoff second-round game with a tournament spot at stake, Tualatin found itself trailing the Celtics 26-23 at halftime. 

But the Timberwolves wouldn’t be denied, as they played a nearly flawless second half, outscoring McNary 38-15 after the break, to get a 61-41 victory and a berth in the state tournament. Leading the way in Tualatin’s charge that day was junior post Bridger Steppe, who came off the bench to score 16 of his game-high 20 points in the second half. 

“I just really wanted to get to the Chiles Center (site of the Class 6A state tournament),” Steppe said after that game. “It’s always been a big dream of mine, and I’m just glad I got to do it on this night and help my team win.” 

Sitting in the stands watching the action that night at McNary High School in Keizer was Steppe’s younger brother, Jaden.

“He had a big game to get them to state,” Jaden Steppe, now Tualatin sophomore, said about his older brother. “Yeah, I was at that game when I was younger. That was a cool game to watch.”

Jaden Steppe was also in attendance during Tualatin’s three state tournament games at Chiles Center in 2018. 

“I watched my brother play at the tournament,” Jaden Steppe said. “I definitely think about that a lot now, and it really helps me.” 

The younger brother decided he wanted to keep on following older brother’s footsteps. 

“I started playing basketball because my brother played. He really inspired me,” Jaden Steppe said. “That helped me a lot.” 

And, like his older brother, Jaden has seen his state tournament aspirations come true. For the first time since 2018, the Timberwolves are back in the Class 6A state event, and, once again, there’s a Steppe on the roster.

“This just means so much,” Jaden Steppe said with a smile.

The 6-foot-7 wing, while just a sophomore, played a key role for the Timberwolves in their trek to the tournament. Although he came off the bench most of the season, Steppe earned all-Three Rivers League second-team accolades this season. 

The younger Steppe can already claim some bragging rights over big brother Bridger. Tualatin went 1-2, winning the sixth-place trophy at the 2018 state tournament. This year's Timberwolves team has already posted wins over Beaverton and West Linn, putting Tualatin in the Class 6A state championship game for the first time since 2000. The Timberwolves will try to win their first boys basketball state crown Saturday when they face unbeaten Summit in the title contest at 3:15 p.m. at the Chiles Center. 

“We’re just trying to finish this up,” Jaden Steppe said. “I’m just trying to stay locked in and get one more.” 

Steppe and his Tualatin teammates definitely needed to be locked in during their state semifinal contest with TRL rival West Linn on Friday.

The determined Lions jumped out to a 12-4 lead with 4 minutes and 9 seconds remaining in the first quarter, following back-to-back 3-point baskets by junior Jackson Shelstad.

Steppe entered the game with 2:31 remaining in the period, and he pulled down three defensive rebounds before the quarter ended, helping the Timberwolves trim the margin to four at 15-11.

West Linn opened the second quarter with another 3-pointer, making it 18-11. But Steppe answered with a 3-pointer from the right corner. He also scored on a drive to the basket later in the period, while also pulling down two more rebounds in the quarter, helping Tualatin stay close, trailing 23-19 at halftime.

Steppe scored with 2:35 left in the game, converting a layup off an alley-oop pass from senior guard Malik Ross, giving Tualatin a 50-45 lead. The Timberwolves went on to win 56-49. 

Steppe finished the game with seven points on 3-for-6 shooting, seven rebounds and a blocked shot.

“It wasn’t a big offensive night for me, but I was trying to be a hustle guy, get rebounds, make passes and play defense,” he said. “That was my job tonight. I told my guys, ‘I’m always there when you need me.’”

He’s also looking to be there during the state title game.

“This means so much,” he said. “This is really fun. I’m really excited for this last game.”