Area Rankings: Willamette Valley – Top 10

<p>We’re here to answer the question of, “Who are the 10 best prospects in the Willamette Valley?”</p> <p>What are the stipulations? Well there really aren’t any other than defining the Willamette Valley, which we will define as pretty much the large area with Salem in the center, extending north to the PDX Metro area and then south to Eugene. So regardless of class and regardless of positions, what are the top 10?</p> <p><strong>#1 - [player_tooltip player_id="855926" first="Nate" last="Meithof"] (2021 McNary)</strong></p> <p>Meithof really exploded onto the scene as a junior, leading 6A in scoring for much of the season until the end of the year. The 6-foot-4 lefty wing can score in multiple ways, can really create off the dribble, and has the athleticism to finish powerfully at the rim. For old school basketball followers, the way he led McNary this season was reminiscent of Glenn Robinson at Purdue in the mid 1990’s. A Second Team 6A All-State selection and co-Mountain Valley Conference POY, Meithof has garnered Division I recruiting interest.</p> <p><strong>#2 - [player_tooltip player_id="855928" first="Nick" last="Zuro"] (2021 South Salem)</strong></p> <p>Zuro returned to the state of Oregon after starting high school on the East side of the country and made an immediate impact at South Salem. The 6-foot-7 forward is well built and athletic and while that certainly made a difference down low for the Saxons, Zuro also has the ability to step out and hit shots out past the three-point line. His numbers were solid on a very balanced South Salem team and his profile should rise during AAU play and next season as a senior.</p> <p><strong>#3 - [player_tooltip player_id="857342" first="Dallon" last="Morgan"] (2022 Sprague)</strong></p> <p>The only player in the Class of 2022 with a Division I scholarship offer so far (from Montana State), Morgan has potential that is obvious. He’s got good size at 6-foot-10 (and possibly still growing), moves well up and down the floor, and has a very soft touch on his shot both in the paint and outside of the three-point arc. While Morgan still seems to prefer to operate on the perimeter, he made some progress setting up on the block.</p> <p><strong>#4 - [player_tooltip player_id="606256" first="Josh" last="Baugher"] (2021 Santiam Christian)</strong></p> <p>Unfortunately, a big part of the 2019-20 season was lost for Baugher as he suffered a knee injury in mid-season. But when healthy, the 6-foot-7 junior is a versatile performer, capable of playing up to four different positions on the floor for Santiam Christian. He can almost anywhere on the court and has tremendous ball-handling and passing skills for his size.</p> <p><strong>#5 - [player_tooltip player_id="855933" first="Josh" last="Wart"] (2021 Amity)</strong></p> <p>Wart may be one of the biggest sleepers in the state. He’s strong and muscular at 6-foot-6 but plays above the rim. Tough down low, Wart can also step out and knock down catch-and-shoot jumpers as well as create off the dribble. Also a standout tight end, should Wart choose basketball at the college level there’s no question he’s a four-year level recruit.</p> <p><strong>#6 - [player_tooltip player_id="962928" first="Moroni" last="Roberts"] (2023 Yamhill-Carlton)</strong></p> <p>One of the twin sons of Yamhill-Carlton head coach Heather Roberts, [player_tooltip player_id="962928" first="Moroni" last="Roberts"] made a huge splash as a freshman averaging over 20 points and ten rebounds a game. At 6-foot-5 with emerging athleticism, he largely did most of his damage around the hoop but is working on developing more perimeter skills to diversify his attack.</p> <p><strong>#7 - [player_tooltip player_id="855937" first="Isaiah" last="Gilliam"] (2021 South Albany)</strong></p> <p>Gilliam really made his mark as a power guard as a junior. At 6-foot-1 and built like a tank, his drives to the hoop were almost unstoppable and he really excels in the up-tempo set. Also an outstanding defender - Gilliam led 5A in steals this past year - his shooting range is still a work in progress but much of it may simply be developing confidence.</p> <p><strong>#8 - [player_tooltip player_id="857351" first="Jordan" last="McCarty"] (2022 Silverton)</strong></p> <p>Also an outstanding quarterback - football may eventually be where his college future lies - McCarty is also a versatile backcourt performer on the court. At 6-foot-1 he played both backcourt spots and with the graduation of [player_tooltip player_id="604215" first="David" last="Gonzales"], his future may very well be at point guard which shouldn’t be an issue as he’s a natural floor leader.</p> <p><strong>#9 - [player_tooltip player_id="855939" first="Michael" last="Lundy"] (2021 Philomath)</strong></p> <p>Coming in at #9 from the Willamette Valley is Lundy, who ranks as one of 4A’s top players at Philomath. The 6-foot-2 lefty has a smooth stroke from the outside with a quick release and is a solid on-the-ball defender. Lundy is another solid all-around athlete as he is also the quarterback on the footblal team.</p> <p><strong>#10 - [player_tooltip player_id="965071" first="Carson" last="Molan"] (2021 Cascade)</strong></p> <p>Closing out our top ten from the Willamtte Valley is another 4A standout is Molan, who was actually the Oregon West Conference Player of the Year this past season. At 6-foot-4, he’s got great size for a perimeter player and has versatile offensive skills both as a shooter and shot-creator. His high motor and gritty nature help him on the defensive end.</p>