Top Ten: 2017 Point Guards
The Oregon high school class of 2017 isn’t loaded with high level D1 recruits. However, it is a class that is heavy with talented point guards who will have an impact in future years at all levels of college basketball. Below we take a look at the Top 8 floor generals in the class of 2017.
- Elijah Gonzales (5’9/Clackamas HS/Maeko) – You could easily make a case of any of the top 3 guys here as the best in the state, but for our money, Gonzales gets the nod. The lightning quick guard is forced to take on the primary scoring roll for the Cavs and he does so in a variety of ways. His ability to get in the paint and create opportunities for his teammates is the thing that has Portland State coach Tyler Geving so excited about his future recruit. Gonzales’ on ball defense might be the biggest separator on this list, as he routinely harasses the other team’s ball handler all over the floor. With averages of 25.4 ppg, 6.3 apg, and 3.6 spg, the future Viking is on the short list for 6A state player of the year.
- Isaac Bonton (6’0/Parkrose/NW Panthers) – Bonton who helped lead a loaded Columbia Christian to a 1A state title as a freshman, has helped to put Parkrose basketball on the map as a legitimate 5A contender. The future Montana State Bobcat can score in a variety of ways and has impressed college coaches with the controlled pace he plays at and his ability to score in bunches when needed, case in point his 52 point out burst earlier this season vs Lasalle.
- Braden Olsen (6’0/West Linn/FAST) – Olsen is a talented offensive point guard who will wind up as a 4 year letterman at powerhouse West Linn. The floor leader for a very talented offensive team that averages 80+ a game, Olsen has season averages of 14 points and 8 assists per game. His court vision is what separates him from his peers and what has college coaches up and down the west coast interested in his services.
- Cam Parker (6’0/Jesuit) – This lefty three year starter has always been considered one of the more talented players in his class, but has put it all together this season showing great leadership for the Crusaders. Parker with averages of 25 points and 6 assists per game has improved his perimeter shooting to go along with an ability to get in the paint and score around the basket.
- Zack Bernards (6’0/Dayton/Swish) – Arguably the best small school player in the class of 2017, the recent OIT commit has the ability to shoot from deep as well as set up his teammates. Will be interesting to see how his game adapts to the college level where he’s likely to be asked to pass before score. Season averages of nearly 30 points and 8 assists a game suggest the transition will be a smooth one.
- Jackson Januik (5’9/Seaside/Bench Warmers) – Smaller in size, but big on leadership and basketball IQ, this year four year starter will finish his high school career as the school leader in just about every major category. The biggest compliment one could give Januik is that his teams always find a way to win, thanks in large part to his leadership and poise.
- Said Ali (6’1/Westview/Maeko) – Gritty, tough, and competitive are all great descriptors for this talented lefty guard. Ali does all the little things needed for his team to win. On the surface he doesn’t do any one thing “great” but he always seems to find a way to make the plays needed, whether that’s stopping the other team’s top scorer or knocking down a late game shot. National juco programs are lining up to help Ali take the next step in his academic and athletic career.
- Julian Downey (5’10/Santiam/Team Fly) – Downey who earned all league recognition last season at 5A power Silverton, has turned in a dominating senior season while leading Santiam to the brink of the state tournament. His play last summer on the AAU circuit have college coaches clamoring for his services to lead their teams in the future.
- Corey Hindley (5’11/Hillsboro) – This smooth lefty point guard has shown marked improvement since making his varsity debut as a freshman. Playing for his third head coach in four years, he’s leading the Spartans with averages of 16 points and 5 assists per game. As he continues to grow and mature physically, Hindley projects as a high level NAIA or D3 floor general.
- Carson Crawford (5’11/Beaverton) – D1 football recruit who is also a 3 year letterman on the Beaver hoop team. Defers his scoring to higher profile teammates, but does a great job of getting Beaverton into their offense and providing great on the ball defense. One of the most under rated players in the Metro league.