Oregon Top 250 On The Radar
Anytime you host an event like the Prep Hoops Top 250, there are bound to be new players that we haven’t seen before show up and make an impression. We take a look at some of the guys who we hadn’t seen a whole lot of but impressed on the floor throughout the day.
Nathan Bittle 6’9 2021 Crater HS
Bittle jumped out during the skill work portion of the day displaying a shooting range to 20 feet. During the game portion of the event, the talented frosh showed tremendous understanding of the pick and pop game to free himself for open shots which he knocked down at a high clip. He also showed off the ability to pass out of the high post. As he continues to add weight and strength to his frame (7’0+ wing span) his ceiling is limitless and one could expect him to become a priority recruit for most D1 programs on the west coast.
Zachery Brown 6’6 2019 Springfield HS
The class of 2019 is loaded with talented players in the Eugene area and you can add the 6’6 Brown to that list. Throughout the day he displayed a high end motor, ability to rebound and protect the glass, and an above average defensive game. As he continues to improve his offensive skill set, look for Brown to become a sought after recruit by local NAIA and D3 programs.
Ben Janssan 6’2 2018 Centralia HS
Janssan comes from further off the radar than any other player at the Top 250 event, as the exchange student from Australia will spend the 2017-18 season at Centralia HS in Washington. The athletic lefty guard showed the ability to defend at a high level and was effective finishing in transition. Will be interesting to watch his progress in a very good 2A district in Washington.
Ameer Muhammad 5’11 2019 David Douglas HS
David Douglas has had a nice run of guards in recent years and Muhammad looks capable of adding his name to that list. He displayed a steady confidence all day and was equally effective as a play maker and shooter. Muhammad also showed the ability to really defend opposing guards on the perimeter.
Braden Thorn 6’4 2019 Sherwood HS
Thorn was a pleasant surprise throughout the showcase, displaying a tremendous basketball iq, the ability to shoot to 3 point range, and a motor that made him an effective rebounder and defender. As he continues to improve athletically, look for him to develop into a quality player in the Three Rivers League.
Bridger Steppe 6’4 2019 Tualatin HS
A player similar in style to his conference opponent Thorn, Steppe regularly made the “right play” that lead to easy baskets for him or one of his teammates. He also showed a good feel for the pick and pop game and proved to be a quality team defender.