Open Gym Report: Forest Grove Vikings
PrepHoops Oregon is hitting up open gyms in the Portland Metro area this next month to get an early look some of the top teams. Tuesday afternoon’s visit was to see the Forest Grove Vikings. Head coach Greg Evers is looking to open things up with his squad this season, which is comprised of some solid returnees and talented younger players.
Promising wing/post Braden Hudgins (2021) was absent due to a dental appointment. Here are observations on a few of players that were present:
Guy Littlefield (2020)
Littlefield is a physically well-built point guard who really uses his frame to attack the basket. He was crafty with the basketball and finished either at the basket or with floaters, and understood how to use the backboard on shots. Littlefield pushed the ball up the floor and did a good job of finding shooters on the perimeter when they were open. It appears his perimeter shooting is still a work in progress but his form looked solid.
Henry Tonges (2019)
Tonges was the find of the day. He’s a very thin but mobile 6-foot-5 post who can really run the floor and finish in transition, often throwing down one-handed jams. Tongues also showed that he has the ability to face up and hit a couple of threes and on defense, he affected shots with his length. Tongues doesn’t focus on basketball as he also plays baseball and is open to playing either sport in college, where in hoops he currently projects as an NWAC type prospect.
Ayden Purcell (2019)
Purcell is a 6-foot-5 post. He has a solid build and can get physical inside, but lacks footspeed. Purcell faced up and showed a pretty nice touch from mid-range.
Dominic Funk (2019)
Funk is a 6-foot-2 forward who is an import from the football team where he played tight end. He has very large hands and spent the majority of the action scoring around the basket where he was able to finish athletic plays.
James Irvine (2021)
Irvine is an undersized wing at 6-foot who has the ability to score creatively around the hoop. He is still working on his outside shooting but hit a couple of perimeter jumpers.
