Rip City Showcase: Saturday Morning Standouts

<p>The Rip City Showcase took place this past weekend at Sherwood High School and several of the state's top 6A contenders next season were in attendance. We got a chance to take in the morning session on Saturday morning and here are some of the top performers that we watched.</p> <p><strong>Jamison Guerra (2020 Sherwood)</strong> - With Blake Jensen unavailable due to taking the ACT, it would seem that Guerra would need to take on more of an offensive role for the Bowmen - but it didn't appear that way early on in Sherwood's game against Sunset. The 5-foot-10 point guard seemed content to let the game come to him and at times even seemed a bit passive. But after the Bowmen fell down by double digits, Guerra really turned it on in the second half. He took it to the basket strong, hit a couple of step-back threes, and pretty much took over the game and led Sherwood to the win. Guerra noted that he's currently hearing the most from George Fox, OIT, and Pacific, and he's hoping to attend elite camp at Point Loma Nazarene.</p> <p><strong>Braeden Sato (2020 Sunset)</strong> - We got a chance to see Sato play in two games and in both, the 5-foot-9 point guard did what he does well - nail jumpers from deep. But what the senior-to-be also did that opened eyes was really attack the basket. He used his quickness to get into the lane and either finish at the hoop or kick it out to one of Sunset's other three-point shooters. There's no question that Sato can fill it up from the three but adding more penetration to his game certainly diversifies him as an overall offensive threat.</p> <p><strong>Andre Best (2020 Oregon City)</strong> - Best did what we've become accustomed to see him do - calmly handle the reins at the point, attack the basket or score when needed, and really get into it on defense. As opposed to other point guards in the state, the 5-foot-11 senior-to-be really isn't all that offensive-minded and his jumper continues to be a work in progress. But Best can score when needed, and it's the intangibles and leadership - when he was seated on the bench he was very vocal in directing and supporting Oregon City's younger players - that make him so valuable.</p> <p><strong>TJ Warren (2020 Oregon City)</strong> - Warren played varsity last season but served as the backup post behind Clackamas CC signee Erich Nova. If the way he played on Saturday morning was any indication, Warren will not only move into the starting lineup but will be a focal offensive player. At 6-foot-6, the senior-to-be is long and lanky but had the strength to set up shop down low where he was able to score with some basic post moves. Warren also had the athleticism to finish at the rim and was a factor on the boards and on defense. He's certainly one to watch the rest of the summer going into next season.</p> <p><strong>Kell Estep (2021 Sunset)</strong> - One thing is for certain - Estep can score the basketball. The 6-foot-3 junior-to-be can shoot it from long range, but also has a number of off-the-dribble moves that allow him to create space for a shot or take it past his defender all the way to the hoop. Estep was able to utilize his size on the wing to shoot over smaller defenders. He may fall into a foray of too many dribbles ala James Harden style and at times the shot selection was questionable, but it's clear that Estep will be one of Sunset's top scorers this season.</p> <p><strong>Tate Reese (2021 Sunset)</strong> - Sunset will be a small team so the 6-foot-4ish Reese will likely see a lot of time in the post. The junior-to-be is long and lanky and may still be growing though, after all his older brother Will stood at 6-foot-6. Reese was a little overmatched inside but he did his best to fight for rebounds and was able to block some shots on defense. On the offensive end, he spotted up for a couple of catch-and-shoot threes and he showed some smooth form on his jumper. His development will be one to watch.</p>