City Rankings: Eugene/Springfield - Top 10

We’re here to answer the question of “who are the ten best prospects in the Eugene/Springfield area?” What are the stipulations? Well, most importantly, we define “the Eugene/Springfield area” as just that, the area directly surrounding Eugene and Springfield. Included in selecting this list were towns like Junction City, Creswell, and Elmira. Without further adieu, here are the ten best prospects in the Eugene area: #1 - [player_tooltip player_id="857343" first="Samaje" last="Morgan"] (2022 Churchill) As a top-three player in our class of 2022 rankings, Morgan is fairly firmly atop this list. During his sophomore season, the 5-foot-9 guard consistently displayed standout quickness to go alongside his all-around offensive game. Morgan can score at all three levels, and he constantly plays with a high-motor, which makes him one of the top point guards in the state entering next season. Despite being undersized, Morgan can defend anywhere on the perimeter and has the tendency to “out-tough” his opponents as well. Entering next season, look out for Morgan to be one of the state’s top players at any classification. #2 - [player_tooltip player_id="815599" first="Luke" last="Smith"] (2021 Willamette) Standing at 6-foot-3, Smith is one of 5A’s top returning scorers. With a deep bag of offensive tricks, the combo guard averaged over 20 points-per-game for Willamette last season on his way to a second-team all-state selection. Most notably, the to-be senior does his damage from downtown, burying three-pointers both off the dribble and in spot-up situations. With slightly less talent around him next season, Smith will be expected to take a big step forward in terms of both leadership and production. #3 - [player_tooltip player_id="964538" first="Jake" last="Newell"] (2022 Thurston) By far the best rebounder on this list, the 6-foot-3 Newell is also perhaps the hardest worker. In the fall, he is a star receiver for the Colts football team, but his true prowess is shown on the hardwood. The potential of this multi-sport athlete was clearly displayed by a 27 point and 14 rebound performance against the star-studded Churchill Lancers in which he looked like the best player on the floor at times. As a sophomore, the tenacious forward led Thurston in all three main statistical categories (points, rebounds, assists), and will look to do more of the same next season. #4 - [player_tooltip player_id="642058" first="Trey" last="Bryant"] (2021 Springfield) A first-team all-MWL selection last season, the 6-foot-2 Bryant is perhaps the best defender on this list. With solid length and quickness, Bryant has the tools to play at the next level, and although he led the Millers in scoring last season, he will need to get more aggressive on the offensive end to catch the eyes of coaches. As one would expect, Springfield lost a decent amount of talent to graduation last season, so the opportunity now arises for Bryant to become an elite 5A player. Look out for him to make the shift to point guard duties. #5 - [player_tooltip player_id="855965" first="Ben" last="Morehouse"] (2021 Marist) Alongside 4A POY Nick Stice, Morehouse was a consistent offensive threat for the dominant Spartans last season, whose chances of a state title were cut short due to CoronaVirus. As Stice departs, Morehouse will be expected to assume his role as leading scorer, which he will do in a variety of ways. A first-team All-SEL selection last season, Morehouse can shoot the three and create his own shot off the dribble, making him one of the most dangerous offensive threats in the area. Next season, the 6-foot-4 guard should average close to 20 points per game. #6 - [player_tooltip player_id="855970" first="Nash" last="Kuykendall"] (2021 Sheldon) With one of the most balanced scoring attacks in the state, Sheldon lacked standout individual offensive performances last season. Nonetheless, Kuykendall was the most consistent in making his presence felt with his steady offensive game and notable athleticism, both of which ended up earning him first-team All-SWC honors. At 6-foot-4, the to-be senior is a great run and jump athlete, and his ability to finish with both hands and knock down jumpers from outside make him one to watch next year. #7 - [player_tooltip player_id="855975" first="Jarrett" last="Bryant"] (2021 South Eugene) A starter for the Axe last season, the 6-foot-4 Bryant will have big shoes to fill as five major seniors depart for graduation. With great length, the well-rounded guard can finish inside around big men and occasionally knock down an outside jumper. Expect the to-be senior to lead the Axe in scoring next season as the program rebuilds around him. In 2019-20, Bryant was a second-team all-SWC selection. Look out for him to contend for POY honors heading forward. #8 - Anthony Hill (2022 Springfield) As just a sophomore, Hill started nearly every game for the streaky Millers, who consistently relied on his ability to play good defense and knock down the occasional three-pointer in order to win games. The 6-foot-1 athletic guard will continue to play huge minutes next season, joining Bryant as the second of two standouts on the Millers’ roster. #9 - Oscar James (2022 South Eugene) Last season, James was a backup point guard behind one of the state’s best players. Nonetheless, the stud sophomore consistently played big minutes for the Axe, handling the rock and making plays when needed. Although his numbers were far from eye-popping, James should expect a similar jump-up in production to that of Bryant as he gains playing time and offensive freedom next season. Heading forward, James will be one of the focal points of The Axe’s offensive attack. #10 - [player_tooltip player_id="856002" first="Jose" last="Yanez"] (2021 Willamette) At 5-foot-10, Yanez does his damage as a sniper from deep. Alongside Smith last year, Yanez was perhaps the Wolverines’ most consistent player, putting up solid role-playing numbers in almost every regular season matchup. Next year, expect the sharpshooting combo guard to partially take the reigns of an elite 5A offensive attack. Yanez plays with a steady head and great leadership abilities, so the move to starting point guard isn’t far-fetched.