Portland State Team Camp: Breakout Performers

<p>Portland State Team Camp was filled with talent and while there were plenty of "name" guys were were familiar with, there were some others that performed well that we had neither seen previously or hadn't seen enough of. Here's a look at some of the top under the radar guys that caught our attention at camp.</p> <p><strong>Steven Long (2020 Tigard)</strong> - Long played JV last season but will move into a starting role for Tigard this winter. The 6-foot-3 guard is long and lanky, has the ability to handle the ball and shoot with range. Long is a versatile performer that will allow him to play and defend multiple positions for the Tigers, and he's athletic too - he threw down a couple of dunks over the course of the two-day camp.</p> <p><strong>Cole Hardy (2020 Salem)</strong> - A transfer from Salem Academy, Hardy is simply a productive player. At 6-foot-3, he has good size on the wing and his effort level was top notch all camp long. Hardy was aggressive and versatile on the offensive end, nailing jumpers off the catch and shoot or using the dribble to create his own shot. As one of South Salem's bigger players he helped out on the boards on the defensive end as well.</p> <p><strong>Almari Sims (2022 Roosevelt)</strong> - Sims isn't big but man, he sure is quick. The rising sophomore was extremely quick with the ball and seemingly got to the bucket whenever he wanted to. He converted some acrobatic layups around the hoop but also was able to kick it out to open teammates on the wing. A cousin of recent Portland State graduate Deante Strickland, Sims should see some minutes in the backcourt for Roosevelt this upcoming season.</p> <p><strong>Donatello Tupper (2022 Roosevelt)</strong> - Tupper played a little varsity last season but should find himself with a much bigger role this year. A big part of it is he's one of the taller guys on the team at 6-foot-4, but he's a fluid athlete with a developing offensive skill set. Tupper has a little go-to lefty flip shot that he converted on multiple occasions, and he ran the floor very well in transition. At times it appears his motor may be a bit lacking but part of it is because his movements are so smooth, he's simply gliding along.</p> <p><strong>Grant Brauner (2020 Lake Oswego)</strong> - With Trace Salton and Sam Abere out due to injury, others had to step up for Lake Oswego and Brauner did that especially on the offensive end. The 6-foot-4 rising senior is a scorer, with the ability to knock down open threes or use his athleticim to create off the dribble and finish near the rim. In Lake Oswego's opening game on the second day against Jefferson, Brauner was money in the first half scoring 15 points. Shot selection and consistency will be the key with him this upcoming season.</p> <p><strong>Bryson Metz (2022 King's Way)</strong> - Maybe Metz isn't underneath the radar but since he's a rising sophomore and we aren't too familiar with Washington 1A hoops, he certainly jumped onto ours. The 5-foot-8 guard definitely isn't big, but he's extremely quick, has a tight handle, and plays not only with flair but with intensity. Metz was all over the court on both ends, was fearless driving to the hoop, finishing over taller players or dishing it off for easy buckets. He also hit some threes to keep defenses honest. Metz is certainly one to watch up in SW Washington.</p>