Recruiting Roundup: West Linn High School
Talent and state titles have run through West Linn High School recently and this year is no different. West Linn currently sits at #2 in the OSAA computer ranking and is one of the favorites to win their 5th straight 6a state title. This kind of success doesn’t happen without high level talent and college coaches certainly have made West Linn a regular stop on visits to the state.
Below are updates on the recruiting status of some of West Linn’s most recruited players.
Khalid Thomas – Boise State, Oregon State, and New Mexico State are the schools most actively recruiting this talented 6’9 senior forward. Thomas is averaging 16.7 ppg, 8.5 rpg, & 4.5 apg on the season and has college scouts intrigued with his length and basketball iq.
Braden Olsen – This talented class of 2017 point guard, recently received his first D1 offer from the University of Montana. This goes along with numerous D2 and NAIA offers from traditional power programs at those levels such as Carroll College, Point Loma Nazarene and more. With a strong finish to the year, expect more D1 programs to move on arguably the best passer in the senior class who is averaging 8 assists to go along with 14 points per night.
Nolan Bertain – An athletic 6’5 wing who may be the best shooter in the class of 2017, Bertain holds offers from San Francisco, Idaho, Stetson, Florida Gulf Coast, and several D2 schools. The transfer, who spent his last two seasons at Beaverton HS, is shooting an eye popping 53% from 3 point range while averaging 14 points per game.
Rodney Hounsell – Expect this athletic 6’3 senior wing to sign with a national juco program this spring. Eastern Arizona and Dawson College (Wyoming) are the two front runners for this lock down defender who also chips in nearly 9 points a night. With a couple of seasons to fine tune his perimeter shooting and ball handling, Hounsell should have a chance to play at a high level four year program in the future.
Jaylen Thompson – Arguably the best shooter in the class of 2018, this lefty is averaging 7.5 points a night and shooting 46% from deep, primarily as the Lions’ 6th man. Thompson is also a high level perimeter defender who played a key role on last year’s state title team. Thompson is regularly hearing from most of the west coast D2 programs and with a good spring and summer season, should generate considerable interest.
Kieshon Dawkins – This physical 6’6 post has emerged as a dominant low post scorer this year, averaging 15.5 points and 8.5 rebounds per game, all while shooting an efficient 63% from the field. The junior has one D1 basketball scholarship from Eastern Washington to go along with high level D1 football opportunities. Whichever sport Dawkins chooses to pursue in college, his competitiveness and physical nature will translate well to the next level.
Michah Garrett – The Lions’ host one of the best freshmen classes in the state of Oregon. Leading the way is this 2020 wing. Although his varsity playing time has been sporadic this season, the interest from college programs throughout the west is already there. Expect Garrett to emerge as a high level recruit over the next three years and be the next in line of D1 products to come out of West Linn.