Open Gym/Workout Report: Forest Grove Vikings/Lakeridge Pacers

<p>Our recent open gym workout travels took us to Forest Grove and Lakeridge to get a look at programs who may have different expectations this upcoming season. Forest Grove head coach Greg Evers is hoping to contend for a top three Pacific League finish while Lakeridge head coach Fred Gold is simply looking to develop and compete with a young team.</p> <p>Here's a look at the top players we saw at both locations.</p> <p><strong>Guy Littlefield (2020 Forest Grove)</strong></p> <p>Littlefield worked hard this summer on improving his jumper and while we didn't see a ton of it during this particular workout, he was shooting it fairly well in shootaround. The 6-foot guard was strong with his handle and getting to the basket, finishing near the rim. He noted that he's been in quite a bit of contact with hometown Pacific and has liked what head coach Justin Lunt has been doing with the program.</p> <p><strong>Braden Hudgins (2021 Forest Grove)</strong></p> <p>The very first thing we noticed about Hudgins when we saw him - he's bulked up. The once very lanky 6-foot-5 wing has added some muscle and he noted that he's close to a rock-solid 190 pounds. He was shooting the ball well and the added weight hasn't hampered his ability to finish as he was regularly dunking the ball in drills. An aggressive offensive player, Hudgins will be relied upon heavily for scoring this season.</p> <p><strong>James Irvine (2021 Forest Grove)</strong></p> <p>Irvine cut his teeth on varsity ball last season and should emerge as one of the team's starters in the frontcourt. At 6-foot-1, he obviously isn't very big playing inside but he's crafty, has good footwork, and can finish well with both hands. Irvine has a solid build and was finishing well at the basket in drills.</p> <p><strong>Eric Struik (2020 Lakeridge)</strong></p> <p>After deciding not to try out for the team last season, Struik will be going out for the Pacers this season much to head coach Fred Gold's delight. The 6-foot-5 post will provide much needed size and he runs the floor and finishes well around the hoop. He was the best player on the floor in open gym and while he's still a little rough around the edges, figures to be one of Lakeridge's top players this upcoming season.</p> <p><strong>Mason Nelson (2020 Lakeridge)</strong></p> <p>Nelson is one of the few guys returning with any kind of varsity experience so he'll almost be by default one of the top guys this year. The 6-foot-2 senior is a solid all-around type of player, capable of hitting open shots and playing solid team ball. He's well-built physically which allows him to be an effective rebounder and defender as well.</p> <p><strong>Max Wise (2021 Lakeridge)</strong></p> <p>Wise is a lefty point guard who has a crafty handle and the ability to penetrate and dish. He made some plays with the basketball both with his passing and with a couple of creative finishes around the basket. Wise was also very active on the defensive end.</p> <p><strong>Moose Warner (2023 Lakeridge)</strong></p> <p>Warner is the younger brother of Grant senior guard Tai Warner. The younger Warner is very physically mature for his age and that alone will help him be dominant if he is to play at the freshman or JV levels. He has much to learn but should develop in the Lakeridge program.</p>