#PHTop250 Top Swingmen
The PrepHoops Oregon Top 250 Expo showcased much of the state’s talent on Sunday and there was certainly a bumper crop when it came to swingmen – including arguably some of the top overall seniors in the Class of 2020.…
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Continue ReadingThe PrepHoops Oregon Top 250 Expo showcased much of the state’s talent on Sunday and there was certainly a bumper crop when it came to swingmen – including arguably some of the top overall seniors in the Class of 2020. Here’s a look at the top wings/forwards in attendance at the event.
Brian Goracke (2020 Churchill) – We took an informal poll from observers about all the top performers in the showcase and Goracke was a near unanimous choice. The 6-foot-5 senior dominated in all of the action we saw and honestly made things look extremely easy, whether it was driving to the basket and finishing – often with a dunk – or stepping back and hitting deep threes. For a guy who really didn’t even need to be at the showcase based on the college recruitment he’s been getting, Goracke came to compete – and he really lived up to billing.
Kaelan O’Neil (2020 Churchill) – Speaking of someone who didn’t need to come, especially considering he’s already secured his Division I commitment, O’Neil also came to compete and he too was one of the near unanimous choices for best performers on the day. The 6-foot-4 senior attacked the rim and finished in some very acrobatic ways. At times it seems as if he made things a little more difficult than necessary but the bottom line was it worked. O’Neil has a competitive edge and he was able to harness it effectively and keep his emotions in check.
Keegan Shivers (2020 Wilsonville) – Shivers made the decision to focus on hoops this summer (he’s also a baseball standout) and it’s paid off. During the season the 6-foot-4 senior played more down low but on Sunday he almost was exclusively on the perimeter and he looked extremely comfortable. Shivers hit jumpers, attacked the basket, and finished plays with both hands. Holding an offer from OIT there’s no doubt he’ll earn more offers going forward.
Erik Fraser (2020 Grant) – Fraser had an all-around good performance at the Expo. Always known best as a shooter, the 6-foot-3 senior knocked down catch-and-shoot opportunities but also showed an improved ability to take his defender off the dribble and finish around the basket. Essentially, Fraser had the great feel to take what the defense gave him, whether it was scoring for himself or finding teammates for open looks. Fraser holds an offer from OIT and more could be coming soon.
Colby King (2020 Grant) – It was good to see King in action after he missed the entire summer due to a torn rotator cuff injury suffered while lifting weights. While it’s clear the 6-foot-4 senior was shaking off the rust as there were some missed layups, but he used his strength to create and get to the basket but was also able to step back and knock down some perimeter jumpers. King will certainly get some looks this upcoming season.
Steven Long (2020 Tigard) – Long actually didn’t get to touch the ball a ton in the action we watched, but when he did he made things happen. The 6-foot-3 senior battled on the offensive glass and finished, including getting a nice two-handed flush on one play. He hit a jump shot for good measure. Long caught the eye of tournament director Matt Reynolds and surely he’s more on the radar now than he was going into the event.