Friday Commitment Catchup

Despite the restrictions on recruiting, a number of high school player and former Oregon preps continue to make decisions on their college careers. Here’s a look at some of the commitments that have taken place this week.

Mason Lomax Mason Lomax 6'2" | CG Sprague | 2020 State OR (2020 Sprague) committed to begin his collegiate career at Lane CC. The 6-foot-2 combo guard had been looking around at a number of JC options, mainly in the NWAC, but felt that the Titans were the best fit for him. Lomax is a versatile backcourt performer, with the ability to score at all three levels and the versatility to play multiple positions. He played bigger than his size for Sprague and averaged a team-high 14.3 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 2.9 assists this past season.

"I chose Lane because I know a lot of pieces they already have and those players are unselfish and good dudes," Lomax said. "Also because it’s close to home so my parents can still come watch. I’ve heard really good things about their coach and how Lane is in the best conference in the NWAC."

While Lomax is heading into Lane, heading out will be Rodney Hounshell (2017 West Linn/Lane CC) who committed to Hawaii Pacific. The former Lion had garnered a variety of Division II and NAIA scholarship offers and while because of the current situation was unable to take a visit out to Hawaii Pacific, felt it was the best situation for him to continue his college career. Hounshell averaged 19.2 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 2.8 assists while shooting over 40 percent from three this past season on his way to First Team NWAC All-Southern Region honors.

"Hawaii is perfect for me with the weather and the opportunity there is open for me to start and continue the success I’ve been having," Hounshell said. "They want me to come in and be an impact player so I’ve got some work to do that and why not do it in Hawaii, not too many people have that experience."

Also moving on from the same graduating high school class as Hounshell is Ethan Channel (2017 Aloha HS/Portland CC), who is headed to Minnesota-Crookston. The former Warrior actually made his commitment to the Division II Eagles sight unseen, but had been in conversations with the coaching staff for quite some time and also leaned on friend, former teammate, and fellow UMC commit Leonard Dixon for information on the school and program. A tremendous run-and-jump athlete out of high school, Channel further refined his game in JC. After spending a year with Dixon at Mt Hood CC, he averaged 18.2 points and 6.0 rebounds for PCC this past season.

"After talking to the coach, doing some research on the program and the school, I was able to decide that it was the place I wanted to be at," Channel said. "I like that I’ll be able to come in and make an immediate impact on the team. The play style of the offense and defense allows me to play my game as well as learn from the coaching staff and my new teammates."

Another current senior who recently made a college commitment is Bryson Crockett Bryson Crockett 6'3" | SG West Linn | 2020 State OR (2020 West Linn) who signed with Mt. Hood CC. The 6-foot-3 wing, who was still recovering from a knee injury suffered late in his junior season, attempted to play this year but was never fully at 100 percent. Despite that he still managed to average 8.7 points and 2.3 rebounds and was a key member of the rotation of a Lions team that was set to play at the state tournament. A talented scorer and shooter, the lefty will continue his physical comeback and development relatively close to home for the Saints.

More college decisions are sure to come in the upcoming weeks as the start of the NCAA signing period will be on April 15.