Top 8: Class of 2018 Posts
Photo Credit: Kent Frasure for The Oregonian
As the spring AAU season has picked up steam after the second NCAA viewing period, Prep Hoops Oregon stopped to evaluate some of the best 2018 posts in the state of Oregon. Oregon is not known for having a deep pool of posts on an annual basis, but next year’s senior class has some versatile bigs who are capable of helping at a variety of college levels.
In no particular order, our list of the Top 8 posts in the Class of 2018:
Kamaka Hepa 6’9 (Jefferson HS/Portland Basketball Club)
Much has been said and written about the Alaska native who moved to Portland last spring to pursue enhanced basketball opportunities. His unselfish mentality was on full display when his passing and shot blocking helped lead Jefferson to their first ever class 6A state title. Hepa has offers from Gonzaga, every Pac 12 school, and at least one school from every major conference in the country. He has impressed during the first two weeks of EYBL action despite the fact that his Portland Basketball Club team has struggled to find wins on the ultra competitive circuit.
Matt Van Tassel 6’7 (Mt. View HS/Team Fly)
The athletic post from central Oregon has already began attracting interest from a variety of smaller school programs who are intrigued by his athleticism and physical style of play. Needs to improve his footwork around the basket to reach his ceiling, but is a high motor player on both ends of the floor.
Filip Fullerton 6’8 (Southridge HS/Team Fly)
Rapidly improving big man who came on for the Skyhawks towards the end of the season. Active post defender who alters shots and protects the rim. Has a good feel for the game and shooting range to 15 feet. Most continue to improve his body and add strength to his frame in order to handle the physical nature of the college game.
John Morrill-Keeler 6’8 (Pacific HS)
A bit of an unknown to college coaches and scouts alike. Morrill-Keeler plays at Pacific HS in Port Orford, a small town on the southern Oregon coast. To date he has not participated on the AAU circuit choosing instead to focus on playing with his high school team. A legit 6’8 with the ability to shoot to 22 feet along with good floor vision. Physical strength and the adjustment to play against bigger and stronger players are things for Keeler to focus on. He looks like a guy who could help a 4 year college program by the time he’s a junior.
Teagan Quitoriano 6’7 (Sprague HS/Portland Basketball Club)
The physical post who earned 1st team all state honors this winter is a high level football recruit, with offers to multiple Pac 12 programs. On the hardwood, Quitoriano reminds us of Jon Brockman, the former Washington Husky star who made a living simply by outworking everyone. If he were to choose the basketball route, Quitoriano would be the kind of guy that Big Sky programs should be lining up to sign.
Boston Thompson 6’9 (Nysaa HS/Team Jones Oregon)
Another interesting small school prospect who has developed off the radar. Thompson who attends a high school of less than 300 students 7 hours away from Portland (Nysaa is in the Mountain Time Zone) is just starting to attract the attention of scouts and recruiters. Will need to continue to prove that he can handle a significant step up in level of competition. A skilled post man who can face up and shoot to distance, Thompson is solidly on the radar of D2 and NAIA programs throughout the west.
Dane Agost 6’7 (Clackamas HS/Elite 24)
Another guy who came on late during the HS season and emerged as a key part on the Cavs state runner up team. Offensively Agost uses his athleticism to finish above the rim as well as possessing good hands and a soft touch. Improved foot work and a go to post move around the basket will move Agost from a priority D3 recruit to a higher level of basketball.
Austin Dufort 6’7 (Tigard HS/Team Fly)
Dufort marks the 3rd Team Fly member to make our 2018 post list. A talented athlete who has the ability to guard multiple positions and go get the ball off the glass makes him invaluable to his team. As he continues to grow into the frame and expands his offensive game, his recruitment will pick up and at a high level. His best basketball is definitely ahead of him.
Kieshon Dawkins 6’6 (West Linn HS)
The physical Dawkins is a dominant low post scorer who can also step out and shoot to 3 point range. Also a D1 football recruit as a tight end, it will be interested to see which sport he chooses to pursue in the future.