Les Schwab Invitational – Stock Risers
As the annual Les Schwab Invitation wraps up its 4 day run at Liberty HS, we take a look at some of the Oregon prep players who improved their “stock” with their play in a loaded field. Ben Gregg…
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Continue ReadingAs the annual Les Schwab Invitation wraps up its 4 day run at Liberty HS, we take a look at some of the Oregon prep players who improved their “stock” with their play in a loaded field.
Ben Gregg 6’8 Forward (2021/Columbia Christian HS)
Without a question, no player did more to increase their personal brand this week than Gregg. He entered with a handful of Power 5 scholarship offers (Texas, Washington State, Oregon State & others) but questions about how he would match up against big school competition. The answer was a resounding just fine, after shaking off a so-so first game against Gonzaga Prep, Gregg was dominant in wins over Southridge & Barlow and a close loss to defending state champ Grant. The buzz surrounding Gregg by the end of the week was measureable as he also picked up offers from Pac 12 members Oregon & California. One can expect more to follow from basketballs best programs as well as a national ranking in the Top 50 players of 2021.
Alex Schumacher 6’2 Guard (2019/Skyview HS)
After a tough 1 point opening round loss to West Linn, Schumacher lead the Falcons to 3 straight wins over traditional Oregon powers and established himself as priority recruit for D2 programs from throughout the west. “Schu” showed signs of an all around game and versatility throughout the tournament as he scored from all three levels, rebounded the ball, and was a distributer when needed. Schumacher is hearing from most the GNAC and expect that interest and offers to increase after his strong showing.
Oreon Courtney 6’3 Wing (2019/West Linn HS)
The uber athletic Courtney does what he does best throughout the LSI, work his tail off, play lock down defense, and finish plays in transition & off the offensive glass. “Oreo” has garnered an offer from D2 Concordia (Portland) and is seeing increased interest from NAIA & D2 programs throughout the west.
Brian Goracke 6’5 Wing (2020/Churchill HS)
Goracke entered the tournament as a bit of an unknown after spending his first two seasons at 2A Monroe HS, but impressed with his athleticism & steady play that saw him average 15+ points a game throughout the tournament. To reach his ceiling, he must continue to improve his perimeter play and skill set on both ends of the floor, but Goracke showed that he’s definitely someone for college programs to follow throughout 2019.
Darius Gawaski 6’4 Wing (2021/Central Catholic HS)
Another member of Oregon’s talented 2021 class entered the LSI with offers from smaller D1 programs such as Portland and Eastern Washington. He displayed an expanded offensive game while averaging 18 points a game as the Rams went 2-2. Gawaski did struggle in Central’s loss to Lake Oswego, but showed enough that as he continues to mature physically, higher level D1 programs should start calling.
Trey Galbraith 5’8 Guard (2020/South Salem HS)
Playing alongside Jaden Nielsen Skinner, South Salem’s Portland State bound point guard, it can be easy to get lost in the shuffle, especially when you’re only 5’8 yourself. Trey Galbraith’s play during the LSI stood tall though, as he averaged 18 points & 4 assists as the Saxons routinely battled against much bigger competition. Galbraith’s toughness and basketball iq along with the ability to knock down open shots was impressive throughout the week.
Drew Carter 6’2 Guard (2021/Tigard HS)
Yet another 2021 stand out, Carter proved to be a legitimate Robin to senior Stevie Schlabach‘s Batman. The talented combo guard average 20 points & 5 rebounds a game as the Tigers made their first LSI appearance in 5 years. Carter showed off a nice mix of skill level and athleticism in leading Tigard to a 2-2 record on the week.
Others: Silas Bennion Churchill; Treyden Harris South Salem; Isaiah Amato Central Catholic