July Wrap Up: Class of 2019
The Prep Hoops Oregon staff was out and about in July catching Oregon teams playing in Bellevue, Salem, and Las Vegas. We checked out as many Oregon and Southwest Washington players as possible. Here is our news, notes, and impressions on the Class of 2019 after the final evaluation period.
Best Performer: Marcus Tsohonis (Jefferson HS/Portland Basketball Club 17U)
The consensus #1 player in the class, Tsohonis was a mixed bag in July but finished the month strong with some quality performances in the Las Vegas Classic last week. Along the way, Tsohonis picked up his third offer (University of Pacific) and got quality feedback from college coaches and talent evaluators.
Biggest Riser: Jaden “Skinny” Nielson Skinner (South Salem HS/Hoop Salem 17U)
Although several 2019 players moved their way up the proverbial ladder, the nod goes to Skinny who entered July without a D1 offer and exits with one from Western Carolina as well as a few other D1 schools who have expressed serious interest in the 5’9 point guard. Skinner cemented his reputation as a lead guard who can run a team and had a big hand in setting up Kyle Greeley throughout the summer.
Best Shooter: Josh Angle (Lake Oswego HS/Elite 24 17U)
The guard who was a key piece for Lake Oswego last season put up solid shooting performances throughout the month playing for Elite 24 Black in 17U tournaments around the country. Angle is especially dangerous in catch and shoot situations.
Biggest Mystery: Jonathon Nchekwube (Churchill HS/Maeko 17U)
The 6’6 lefty spent the high school season in relative obscurity at class 2A Oakridge and then didn’t play regularly on the spring/summer AAU circuit. Since school ended however he has transferred to class 5A power Churchill and hooked up with Makeo 17U team in Vegas. The athletic Nchekwube is definitely a prospect to watch, D1 athleticism and body are already in place, will be interesting to see how he responds to regularly playing against quality competition. Also will be curious to see if he develops the offensive skills to play as a big wing at the college level.
Biggest Ceiling: Connor Zralka (West Linn HS/Team Fast)
The class of 2019 only has two players with D1 offers this far. That may or may not change, but one of the players with a high ceiling is Zralka, a 6’5 combo guard who recently transferred to West Linn HS. Despite some injuries and inconsistent outings, Zralka also had some huge games in July that showed off his potential. As Zralka continues to improve his physicality, his jumping ability and skill level will become bigger assets.
Most Improved: Christian Allen (Lakeridge HS/Portland Basketball Club 17U)
After an ordinary sophomore season, Allen appeared to be overmatched at times during the spring EYBL season. We were impressed with his improvement in play throughout July however, as he showed the ability to knock down open shots and defend against quality guards on the perimeter.
Best Game: Portland Basketball Club vs Team FAST – Premier Hoops Oregon Showcase
A back and forth up tempo game that saw big plays on both sides ended in PBC pulling out an overtime victory. Aaron Deloney was on fire from deep in the first half, Keylin Vance was active in transition, and Ty Rankin took over down the stretch. Alex Schumaker lead the way for Team Fast and Drayton Caoile and Connor Zralka also played well for FAST.
Best Team Effort: Team FAST – 2nd place finish Premier Hoops Oregon Showcase
After losing in OT to PBC, a refocused FAST group ran the table on the way to the title game in Salem. A couple of injuries left them short handed and they eventually dropped the championship to a very talented Northwest Panthers team from Tacoma.