Seaside Team Camp Wrap Up
Every year high schools from throughout the northwest convene in late June in beautiful Seaside, Oregon for the annual Seaside Team Camp. Over the last ten years, this camp has developed into the biggest team camp not held on a college campus. This year’s camp featured teams from Oregon, Washington, and Utah and we were there to check out all the action.
Best Team: Mountain View; Bend, OR
The Cougars have been a regular face at the state tournament through most of the 2000s and appear to be poised to make a run at the Intermountain Conference title next season. They have a nice mix of size, perimeter quickness, and shooting that should allow them to play at whatever pace is necessary to win. Senior post Matt Van Tassell leads the way on this balanced group that went 7-0 at camp.
Best Player: Matt Van Tassell 6’7 Post (2018/Mt. View HS)
The athletic post player has improved his back to the basket game since last summer, showing off a variety of jump hooks & other post moves throughout the week. An athletic rebounder and rim defender, Van Tassell also won the dunk contest during the All Star Gala held on the last evening of camp. He appears to be closer to being an impact player on a much more consistent level.
Other Top Performers:
Jake Justesen 6’0 Guard (2018/Sherman County HS)
The two time 1A state champ and all state performer appeared to be close to full strength after suffering a knee injury late in football season. He displayed his usually ability to finish through contact and guard the ball. His biggest skill is his court vision and ability to pass the ball. A consistent jump shot is the only issue right now.
Dusten Sewald 6’4 Forward (2018/Clatskanie HS)
The returning all league performer showed off an improved post game and high motor throughout the week. Was equally impressive in the all star game, scoring 12 points in a game dominated by perimeter players. Needs to improve his athleticism, but showed the basketball iq and ability to score that should have NWAC schools interested next season.
Chase Mclain 6’1 Guard (2019/Mt. View HS)
Athletic guard that can shoot to range, Mclain is transitioning to the point for the Cougars and remains a work in progress. Did show flashes of making the move effectively and should be just fine come December. Showed flashes of being a lock down perimeter defender.
Isaiah Green 5’9 Guard (2018/Summit Academy (UT))
Lightning quick point guard from Utah, showed the ability to get in to the paint and create plays for his teammates. Very good at pushing the ball in transition. Quick on ball defender that gives opposes guards fits. Definitely worth a look for a college program that doesn’t mind smaller sized guards.
Joey Wagenknecht 5’11 Guard (2018/Scappoose HS)
The sharp shooting guard continued his stellar play in June with another solid performance. Absolutely knockdown shooter who should be on every D3 coaches’ radar as someone who can come in and make shots and also plays with a very high motor.
Chase Januik 6’1 Wing (2019/Seaside HS)
The explosive wing scorer is working his way up the class of 2019 rankings. Is stepping in comfortably to the lead role for the defending 4A state champs. Showed of athletic ability and a desire to defend other teams best player. Must continue to enhance ability to play some point to reach his ceiling.
Brandon Gonyea 5’10 Guard (2018/Lebanon HS)
Lights out shooter who has impressed both times we have seen him in June. Great sense for how to find space & separation for shot. Makes shots at a high clip including multiple 30+ foot shots during the week. Smaller guard with average handles, but shooting ability alone should put him on the radar of D3 programs throughout the west.
Teagan Cox 6’0 Guard (2018/Prosser HS (WA))
Physical guard with range to 23 feet. Put on a shooting display in 3 point contest. Average handles but showed the strength to finish in the paint. High iq and motor were impressive all week.