Capitol City Classic – Monday Top Performers (Consolation)
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The Capitol City Classic took place this past week and in the end, the West Linn Lions were left standing as the champions – the second straight year an in-state team has captured the title. We had the opportunity to…
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Continue ReadingThe Capitol City Classic took place this past week and in the end, the West Linn Lions were left standing as the champions – the second straight year an in-state team has captured the title. We had the opportunity to drop by for a full day’s worth of action on Monday – here are some of the top performers we saw in the first few games in the consolation bracket.
Esyah Pippa-White Esyah Pippa-White 6'2" | PG Gresham | 2023 State OR (2023 Gresham)
Pippa-White has really seemed to turn it up a notch with his scoring this season and really had it going against Canby from the jump. The 6-foot senior was attacking the hoop, especially off of Gresham’s full court press, but also was on the mark with his jumper. At the end of the day, we had Pippa-White down for 24 points, 4 assists, and 5 steals.
Scotty Riddle Scotty Riddle 6'0" | PG Gresham | 2023 State OR (2023 Gresham)
There was no stopping Riddle getting to the basket. Especially in transition, the senior guard cut through the defense like a knife and capably showed the ability to finish near the rim with both hands. He was a menace with his on-the-ball defense, especially in Gresham’s press, which helped lead to turnover after South Salem turnover. Riddle wound up with 22 points and 4 steals.
Nate Gilkey Nate Gilkey 6'9" | PF Gresham | 2024 State OR (2024 Gresham)
We would be surprised if Gilkey is not among 6A’s leaders in blocked shots at season’s end. The 6-foot-7 post rejected 6 attempts against South Salem, definitely protecting the paint but he also showed the mobility to move outside and reject or at least affect perimeter jumpers. He’s still a work in process offensively but coming along near the hoop. 6 points and 8 rebounds.
Matthew Verkamp Matthew Verkamp 6'4" | SF Sherwood | 2023 State OR (2023 Sherwood)
Verkamp has been a rock-solid contributor for Sherwood this season and the game against South Salem was no exception. The 6-foot-4 swingman got buckets near the hoop but also stepped outside to knock down shots – in particular, the corner three has become a weapon for him this season. An all-around performance of 26 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists when it was all said and done.
Breyan Kelly Breyan Kelly 6'2" | CG Sherwood | 2023 State OR (2023 Sherwood)
In scoring the most points in a game since his season-opening 31 points, Kelly was on target from the perimeter and getting to the basket. An area where the 6-foot senior may be most underrated is his ability to rebound the basketball on the defensive end and immediately turn around and get up court. He finished with 23 points, 7 rebounds, and 7 assists.
Brody Kuenzi (2025 Silverton)
Kuenzi was unquestionably one of the fresh finds of the day. The 6-foot-4 sophomore has all the makings of a good high school post as he sets up well down in the paint, has some solid moves, and a soft lefty touch on the finish. He posted a double-double of 21 points and 10 rebounds, shooting 9-for-10 from the field, in Silverton’s cruise control win over Regis.