Pacific Lutheran Prospect Camp – Player Evaluations

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the Northwest Conference schools outside the state that has really recruited the state of Oregon hard in recent years has been Pacific Lutheran, and no fewer than four Oregonians will be joining the Lutes roster in 2024-25. One of the ways head coach Chad Murray and his staff have identified these players has been through their prospect camp, which took place this past weekend at Olson Gymnasium on campus in Tacoma.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There were only a handful of Oregon prospects in attendance this year, but the small number of five guys gave us an opportunity to focus in on them. Here's a quick look at some of the notes we took on their time at camp.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2457675' first='Aaron' last='O'Neal Caston'] (2027 Portland Christian)</strong> - One of the youngest and smallest players at the camp, Caston may have been physically overmatched at times but he didn't play afraid. He confidently handled the ball well and was aggressive using his quickness to get to the hoop and had some finishes over bigger players. The rising sophomore showed good instincts on the defensive end as well. His development will be one to keep an eye on.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2387925' first='Matthew' last='Fauth'] (2025 Hood River Valley)</strong> - As one of the tallest guys in camp, Fauth utilized his size to make a difference on the boards and on the defensive end, where he used his long arms to be effective in altering and blocking shots in the paint. Offensively, he actually spent more time facing the basket, where he was ready to receive kick-outs for mid-range jumpers or occasionally create off the bounce. The 6-foot-4 lefty has a good feel around the hoop and a pretty nice looking shooting stroke, especially from the baseline.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2519145' first='Jona' last='Lee'] (2025 Westside Christian)</strong> - This was the first time we'd see Lee in extensive action and based on how he performed it's clear we have been missing one of the top shooters in the entire state. The rising senior guard was hitting every open shot he got and if he was given an inch of space, he was taking it - and making it. Great form and rotation on his stroke and in addition to draining every catch-and-shoot opportunity, he was able to get some easy layups in transition as well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2519149' first='Will' last='Manfredi'] (2025 Summit)</strong> - We remembered Manfredi a little from his play with BOSS Basketball during the AAU season and it was nice to see him in a different setting, playing with guys he had met for the first time. The rising senior combo guard wasn't super sharp with his outside shooting but was very good at getting into the lane to make plays, both for himself and others. He used his strong frame to get past defenders and finish around the hoop with either hand and on defense, played with a sense of purpose as well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2205010' first='Zach' last='Pippin'] (2025 Valley Catholic)</strong> - The maturation of Pippin playing the point guard position continues and prospect camp proved to be some of the best we've ever seen him play. The rising senior was making good decisions with the basketball all day long, whether it was in the halfcourt or in transition, and we wouldn't be surprised if stats had been taken he was one of the top assist guys in camp. He not only got to the hoop but was solid with his outside shot, and overall he showed good leadership vocally and encouraging his teammates when they made good plays. Had we been looking to evaluate all the participants, Pippen would have been on our All-Camp Team.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->