Area Rankings: Medford/Southern Oregon - Top Ten

The time has come to answer the question of “who are the ten best prospects in Southern Oregon?” What are the stipulations? Well, most importantly, we define “southern Oregon” as the area running up and down the I-5 corridor between Roseburg and the California border. Included in selecting this list were towns like Roseburg, Ashland, Medford, and Grants Pass. Without further adieu, here are the ten best prospects in the Southern Oregon area: #1 - [player_tooltip player_id="606246" first="Nathan" last="Bittle"] (2021 Crater) One of the highest ranked recruits in Oregon high school basketball history, the 6-foot-11 Bittle will be an absolutely dominant force during his final season. A shot-blocking machine with the ability to stretch the floor and create off the dribble, “The Alligator” possesses an elite skill set that makes him one of the top big men in the country. #2 - [player_tooltip player_id="942247" first="Devon" last="Malcolm"] (2022 Butte Falls) After jumping on the scene last season for 2A Butte Falls, Malcolm has garnered interest from a host of D1 programs due to his absolutely eye-popping athleticism. Had there been a statewide dunk contest last year, the 6-foot-3 shooting guard would have almost definitely taken home the title. Although his outside jumper is still blooming, expect Malcolm’s stock to continually rise over the next two seasons due to his well-built frame and transcendent jumping ability. #3 - [player_tooltip player_id="855987" first="Hunter" last="Chubb"] (2021 Crater) A deadeye from deep, the 6-foot-3 Chubb will be asked to step up in 2020 for a slightly depleted Comets’ roster. With great explosiveness and length, the to-be senior guard can defend well 1-3, and although his offensive game has yet to be exceptional all-around, he can flat-out shoot the rock. In last season’s 5A quarterfinals for example, the Comets’ sharpshooter torched the nets with four first-half three-pointers, helping his team take a huge lead into the break. #4 - [player_tooltip player_id="855979" first="Landon" last="Ellis"] (2021 North Medford) A crafty point with great finishing skills and the ability to run an offense, Ellis is clearly one of the top guards in the area. At 5-foot-11, Ellis possesses a smooth handle and a quick first step, both of which make getting to the cup his bread and butter offensively. As a junior, the Black Tornadoes’ lead guard averaged 11 points and three assists, making him arguably the top returning player in the 6A-SWC heading forward. #5 - [player_tooltip player_id="964543" first="Junior" last="Sleezer"] (2022 South Medford) Sleezer, a 6-foot-1 guard with a broad frame and the ability to create off the dribble, should undoubtedly be the Panthers top player next season. The to-be junior has the strength to operate comfortably in the paint both passing and shooting the ball, making him one to watch in Southern Oregon. #6 - [player_tooltip player_id="855960" first="Nick" last="Karrick"] (2021 North Medford) At 6-foot-4, the to-be senior has great size for a guard and should be one of the best outside scorers down south next season. Karrick does almost all of his damage from beyond the arc, and although his game seemed a shade one-dimensional at times last year, his size and sharpshooting ability make him a valuable player to have on any roster. #7 - Morgan Law (2021 Grants Pass) A bit of a sleeper, the 6-foot Law is perhaps the best returning facilitator in the 6A-SWC. Despite lacking noteworthy size or athleticism, the to-be senior can flat-out play ball. With a crafty play style, a green-light from downtown, and a great feel for the game, expect Law to continue to handle the ball for the Cavemen next season as he blossoms into a primary scoring role. #8 - Braydon Ray (2021 Crater) Despite being undersized at just 5-foot-10, Ray has proven himself as an absolute pest on the defensive end. Last season, the Comets’ consistently had the scrappy shooting guard checking their opponents’ best player no matter their size, which speaks volumes about his tremendous lateral quickness and active hands. Without a doubt, Ray is the best pure perimeter defender on this list. #9 - Finn Hilden (2021 Ashland) A second-team all-MWC selection last season, the 6-foot-3 combo forward should see a step up in production next year for the Grizzlies, who will look to ride the to-be senior’s standout scoring ability to an improved league finish. Hilden is at his best attacking off the dribble, with steady finishes and pull-up jump-shots making him a clear difference maker in the 5A-MWC. #10 - Colton Vranes (2022 Crater) Despite coming off the bench the past two seasons for the Comets, Vranes is clearly one of the better guards in the Southern Oregon area as of now. Next season, look out for the 5-foot-10 junior to fill his brother’s shoes as starting point guard while continuing to shoot the ball well from outside.