Paul Tadei

In the early 1980’s, the tradition of great basketball continued at Astoria High School. Paul Tadei was there leading the way. A great passer, ball handler, shooter, and leader, Tadei crafted his skills by sneaking into a local elementary school and working on his game at an early age.

Paul, class of 1982, was a five time letterman at AHS. He lettered in baseball in 1980 and 81, but it was his three year stint from 1980 through 1982 on the Fishermen hoop team where he made a major difference.

The 1980 season was a rough one for the Fishermen but it allowed Tadei, as a sophomore, to show that the future was bright for Astoria. Getting valuable playing experience, Paul was awarded the teams most improved player award.

In the 1981 season, Astoria made an impact in their first season competing in the Cowapa League. Tadei’s junior season garnered him first team All-League as the team shared the league title with an 11-3 record. The season ended with a trip to the State Tournament in Eugene.

The 1982 season was much anticipated by many Fishermen fans. With talent at all positions, the Fishermen led by Tadei, were highly rated all season. Averaging 16 points and 8 assists per game, the individual honors poured in for Tadei. The season was capped with another first-team All-League award and this time Paul was named the league’s Most Valuable player.

The team finished Cowapa League play 14-0 and earned a second straight trip to Eugene. The team was able to win a couple of games and Tadei was named to the All-tTourney second team. As the season ended, the awards continued to come. Tadei earned second team All-State and was named to play in the AAA-AA coaches all star game. Paul is considered to the one of the top two or three point guards to play for a Mike Goin coached team.

Paul continued his playing career for Rick Adelman from 1982-85 at Chamekata Community College. He finished his career playing for the University of Portland in 1985-86. Today, Paul is a salesman for Clatsop Distributing in Warrenton. His family includes wife Leslie, daughter Riley, and sons Arron and Andrew Brown.