Practice Report: Jefferson Democrats

<p>The official start of practice as begun and on Thursday night, we had the opportunity to swing by North Portland and check out practice with the Jefferson Democrats. While Lamar Washington (2022) and Dondre Fair (2022) sat out nursing injuries, essentially the entire varsity squad was in the gym and working out with intensity. Here's a look at the top prospects we saw.</p> <p><strong>Nate Rawlins-Kibonge (2021)</strong> - If there's one thing you can count on from Rawlins-Kibonge, whether it's an actual game, combine, or practice - he's going to bring it 100 percent in every phrase - even in sprints. He was going all-out in drills and in scrimmage play, blocking shots on defense, taking it strong to the hole on offense, and when he made a play he let whoever was guarding him know about it. One thing he's refined is his perimeter shooting as when given time, he was able to knock down some mid-range jumpers out to the three-point line. Overall, he looks leaner and meaner than ever and it's clear he will be the true "alpha dog" leader on this Jefferson squad.</p> <p><strong>Kam Robinson (2021)</strong> - Robinson controlled the backboards, showed good touch on his shot both around and away from the basket, and continues to show improvement with his ability to face up and create for himself off the dribble. The junior also remains the master of following up his own shot on the offensive boards. At times he still does seem to float but the truth of the matter is it may not necessarily be a lack of a motor but he looks fluid with his movements.</p> <p><strong>Keshawn Hall (2021)</strong> - After some rough patches in the summer it appears that Hall has really started to fit in with the Demos. The junior guard handles the ball like a yo-yo on a string and was able to use that handle and his physical stature to pretty much get to the basket whenever he wanted to. The lefty continues to improve upon his jumper and hit some wide-open threes. Defensively he showed some good effort as well.</p> <p><strong>Trejon Williams (2022)</strong> - Fresh off of football, Williams still showed plenty of harnassed energy on the basketball floor - especially defensively as he really showed some signs of being a lockdown perimeter defender with a bit of a "dog" attitude. Offensively he didn't look to score as much but when he was given the opportunity, hit some perimeter shots. The arc on his shot is rather flat but it went in.</p> <p><strong>Tre Anderson (2021)</strong> - Anderson's role with the Demos will be to provide energy and he was all over the court on both ends in practice. While he'll mainly be making an impact on defense and on the boards, he showed that he can't be completely forgotten on offense either as when he was left open, he burned defenders by hitting jumpers.</p> <p><strong>Jalen Adams (2021)</strong> - Similar to last year, Adams will likely serve as Jefferson's zone buster as he has good range on his shot and excels in catch-and-shoot situations, especially on the wings. But akin to what we saw this summer, the junior has improved with his ball skills and in practice he wasn't hesitant to create off the dribble when given the opportunity.</p> <p><strong>Jason Davis (2021)</strong> - Davis, another football player, is a transfer from Parkrose. He's not particularly skilled but lends plenty of strength and willingness to get physical. What's best is that he appears to know his limitations and will be more than happy to play his role and knock down an open shot every now and then.</p> <p><strong>Marquis "Mookie" Cook (2023)</strong> - There's no question that Cook is a superstar in the making and will be playing heavy minutes from day one. But the freshman isn't one to force the issue and in practice, was playing with a good feel for the game. He has a very nice looking stroke from the perimeter and he used his athleticism to create and finish around the rim. In many ways he will be a wildcard for head coach Pat Jefferson in how he will be used on the basketball floor this season.</p>