City Rankings: Medford/Ashland/Grants Pass 2023

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Southern Oregon is often an overlooked recruiting ground but year after year it produces solid players at all different levels. The class of 2023 is not an exception and features players that will contribute at the NCAA, NAIA, and NWAC levels. Here is our list based on this past summer and fall showcases thus far.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1310064' first='Egan' last='Shields'] (2023 Ashland)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Ashland big is set to have a great year for the Grizzlies. He plays a vital role for the Grizzlies and has consistently shown the ability to stretch the floor with mid range jumpers. Shields bread and butter will be taking advantage of smaller defenders in the post and he has a finesse game that will translate to the next level. The big questions for Shields revolve around his ability to bang inside with physical post players. The Grizzlies are expected to make a deep run this year and the evolution of Shields game will be a huge indicator of their success. Look for the recruiting to heat up this winter! </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1495713' first='Silas' last='Wright'] (2023 Ashland)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Wright is one of the sleepers in the southern part of the state. He has the potential to be a really solid piece at the next level for an NAIA or D3 team. His size allows him to get his shot off over smaller defenders. Wright will probably have to play the 4 for the Grizzles at times and he will feast on slower defenders. We would not be shocked to see a motivated Wright make a big splash this winter. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1495714' first='Izzy' last='Golden'] (2023 Ashland)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This crafty point guard really stirs the drink for the Grizzlies. Golden is another stock riser that will definitely be getting looks from coaches at many different levels. He is also a high academic and a phenomenal leader. Golden's greatest asset outside of his leadership and IQ is his ability to shoot the deep ball. When he gets hot it completely changes the complexion of the game. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1315390' first='Jackson' last='Polen'] (2023 Grants Pass)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Polen was a killer for the Cavemen over the summer. He plays with a relentless and almost reckless style. He is a three level scorer and has shown a really nice mid range game. Grants Pass could be one of the sleepers coming out of 6A and Polen will be a catalyst for his squad. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1484998' first='Mason' last='Bennett'] (2023 Grants Pass)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The forward for the Caveman is a great teammate and often defers to his teammates but when he wants to he can take over a game. He has a big strong body and does all the little things for Grants Pass. Bennett is super consistent statistically and will give his team 15 points and 8 rebounds a night. Bennett seems like a natural fit at SWOCC out in Coos Bay or Umpqua in Roseburg.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1382416' first='Antonio' last='Orozco'] (2023 North Medford)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>North Medford has been a solid team in the southern part of the state and is building a great tradition. This Tornados team will be tested early in the non-conference schedule and they will need Orozco to lead his team well. Look for Orozco to get looks from NWAC teams. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->