Willamette Elite Camp – Top Performers
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It’s a new program at Willamette in 2023-24 and on Saturday, brand new head coach Mike Lenahan and his staff and team hosted their first Elite Camp at the Sparks Athletic Center. Players from all over Oregon and out of…
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Continue ReadingIt’s a new program at Willamette in 2023-24 and on Saturday, brand new head coach Mike Lenahan and his staff and team hosted their first Elite Camp at the Sparks Athletic Center. Players from all over Oregon and out of state were in attendance and we had the opportunity to take in much of the 5-on-5 action, including some of the games being played on the floor in the Cone Fieldhouse. After looking over our notes and chatting with some of those in attendance, here are some of the top in-state performers we saw.
Vashon Hardges Vashon Hardges 6'2" | CG Grant | 2024 State OR (2024 Grant)
As we’ve seen him do his entire high school career, Hardges played all out on the court at Elite Camp. He was highly aggressive and explosive off the dribble, using his quickness and physicality to power past defenders and get to the hoop for a number of athletic finishes near the rim. Hardges hit a number of pull-up jumpers to keep the defense honest and was extremely active and tough on D. He did a lot of this after suffering a leg cramp in one game, but his willingness to play through the pain was reflective of his will to compete.
Brady Muilenburg Brady Muilenburg 6'7" | SG Ridgeview | 2025 State OR (2025 Ridgeview)
No shortage of things to like about Muilenburg’s physical stature with his 6-foot-6 height, length, athleticism, and frame that could easily hold more weight and muscle. The Ridgeview junior put it all out on the court as he ran the floor, used his ball handling to create for himself, and capably hit shots out past the three-point line. His combination of size and skills was certainly unique amongst those in attendance at camp and his production matched the intrigue.
Tanner Overby Tanner Overby 6'2" | PF Lincoln | 2024 State OR (2024 Lincoln)
There’s going to be a lot of offense needed at Lincoln this upcoming season with all of their graduation losses and if camp was any indication, Overby should be picking a lot of that up for head coach Heather Seely-Roberts. The senior lefty was getting bucket after bucket, fearlessly attacking the hoop with his strong frame, either finishing around the hoop or hitting pull-up jumpers in the lane. Overby’s strength allowed him to outmuscle opponents yet his shooting touch was soft and accurate.
Aidan Rice Aidan Rice 6'2" | PG Beaverton | 2024 State OR (2024 Beaverton)
Perhaps the most recognizable name on the list of participants at Willamette Camp was that of Rice and he more than lived up to his billing. In fact, the Beaverton senior may have done more than expected. Rice hit long-range jumpers as he’s done his entire high school career, but showed great shiftiness and quickness off the dribble, and used his improved athleticism to burst into the lane and finish near the rim with either hand. Never a selfish player, he also did a great job of finding open teammates.
Brody Rygh Brody Rygh 6'5" | SF Sherwood | 2026 State OR (2026 Sherwood)
Rygh was one of the youngest guys at camp but if you didn’t know that going in, you never would have known based on the way he played. The Sherwood sophomore utilized his 6-foot-4 height, length, and athleticism to flat-out dominate plays at times. He was especially dangerous in transition and he finished several fast breaks with thunderous dunks and was a threat to complete the alley-oop pass. Far from just an athlete, he played hard on both ends, hitting the boards, helping block shots from the weak side, and sharing the rock. No question his best basketball is still ahead of him.
Asher Vredenburg Asher Vredenburg 5'11" | CG Roseburg | 2024 State OR (2024 Roseburg)
Making an impression all afternoon long at Willamette was Vredenberg with his spirited play. The Roseburg senior left it all out on the court as he was constantly in attack mode, whether it looking at getting into the lane to create for himself or others or getting after it on the defensive end with his on-the-ball defense. If there was a 50/50 ball, he was going to get it and his will to win was infectious. His outside shot may not have been firing on all cylinders, but his hard drives and finishes at the hoop certainly were.