Portland Team Camp: Top Performers

<p>The University of Portland Pilots held its team camp this past weekend and a number of high schools that weren't participating in the War of the Border had their teams on campus to compete. Among the squads on the Bluff included Seattle Academy, Lakes, Seton Catholic, Olympic, and Beaverton and here's a look at some of the top players on those teams and how they performed on Friday evening and Saturday morning.</p> <p><strong>Leo DeBruhl (2021 Seattle Academy)</strong> - DeBruhl played really well in the games we saw him. The 6-foot-1 point guard was in full control of the team's offense, showing great balance in when to turn to his own offense or look to set up others. DeBruhl hit shots from long range but also was able to take it hard to the basket, absorb contact, and finish. The son of Seattle Academy's girls coach, he showed a great feel for the game. He's started to get early interest from college programs and we'll have an update posted on him soon.</p> <p><strong>Kenzel Massey (2021 Lakes)</strong> - Lakes is filled with Class of 2021 prospects and Massey is probably the one with the biggest reputation, having competed with ML20's 17U squad on the adidas Gauntlet in the spring. He's 6-foot-7 and has a good body with a smooth stroke, but to be honest he seemed a little too in love with the three in the games that we saw. However, in their opening game against Heritage when the team was down late, Massey started to attack the basket where his length was hard to contend with especially on the offensive glass. There's no doubt he has maximum impact when he is more balanced with his game.</p> <p><strong>Ja'Von Ervin (2021 Lakes)</strong> - We had heard and read about Ervin and his explosive athleticism and it was surely on display on Friday night. The 6-foot-4 rising junior is built like a tank and he can definitely explode to the rim. He was extremely strong underneath, almost like a bull in a china shop, and bullied his way to the basket and finished with authority. While Ervin's game seemed to be mostly about getting to the cup, he did step out and show some decent touch on his jumper as well. At this stage of his development, he plays a bit like an undersized power forward but it looks as if his game is developing so that he can be more of a diversified offensive player.</p> <p><strong>Xavian Rushing (2020 Seton Catholic)</strong> - We've seen Rushing previously with his AAU team, Oregon Basketball Club, where he has largely been more of a role player. But with Seton Catholic, the 6-foot-4 forward/wing plays more of a starring role. While undersized down low, Rushing uses his length and athleticism to create for himself and the lefty is a very good finisher around the hoop. Where he really makes an impact though is on the defensive end as his long arms and quick hands create havoc on opposing ball-handlers as well as inside as a shot-blocker. Rushing is also a very quick leaper and was dominant on the offensive boards in the games that we watched. We hope to have an update posted on him soon.</p> <p><strong>Dane Erikstrup (2021 Beaverton)</strong> - Beaverton, the only Oregon team at camp, arrived on Saturday morning and we got a chance to watch them in their first game of the day and we're glad we did. We'd seen Erikstrup previously both last season and a bit with his AAU team International Elite, but really only in spurts. In a full game of action - his first game back after being out for a month or so due to injury - it's clear he has potential. He's still developing as a post at 6-foot-7 but he has some fundamental moves down and has a nice touch around the basket. Erikstrup can also face up and knock down shots out to three-point range with solid form. He'll need to get stronger and quicker but that will come for the rising junior.</p> <p><strong>Brandon and Jordan McCray (2021 Lakes)</strong> - We first saw the McCray twins in the spring with their AAU team, Team Bradley, and to be honest we still have trouble telling the two apart. Both are 6-foot-4, long, lanky, and athletic and both seem to be good at attacking the basket and knocking down the occasional perimeter jumper.</p> <p><strong>Malcolm Dewalt (2020 Olympic)</strong> - The first thing that stands out about Dewalt is his physique - that's not a surprise considering the 6-foot-2 wing is a standout cornerback and wide receiver who is getting recruiting attention for his exploits on the gridiron. Hoops-wise it's pretty clear he gets by on raw athleticism, but he was active on both ends and hit a couple of lefty jumpers out to three-point range.</p>