Commitment Catchup – From NWAC to D-II

The junior college route has been one utilized by many former Oregon preps to not only continue their education and basketball playing careers, but help develop them for the next level beyond. A handful of former in-state high school graduates have made the decision to keep going on to the NCAA Division II level - here's a look at some of the ones who will be moving on from the NWAC.

Jalen Childs (2023 Beaverton/Mt Hood) to Central Washington

After graduating from Beaverton, Childs spent a year at a California prep school before winding up at Mt Hood this past season in 2024-25. He was an instant impact player, averaging 16.9 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 3.2 assists, leading the team in all three categories. A qualifier out of high school with three years of eligibility remaining, the 6-foot-3 point guard was a hot commodity on the recruiting trail but in the end, it was about relationships and Central Washington was the school that had established that for a long while.

"Central Washington has been on me for a little bit now, since December or January of last year when I was at prep," Childs said. "Even then, they showed me how much they loved me and wanted me to be a part of the program. And once I got to Mt Hood they contacted me constantly and the head coach was coming to my games. Throughout the process, seeing how much they wanted to stay involved and really wanted me to be a part of their program, it made me realize that this was somewhere that I would be able to fit in - a school that really believes in me and has confidence in my abilities."

"Once I was able to get on campus and get a chance to see what it looks like, I knew immediately this was a school I would not thrive in athletic, but also academically," Childs continued. "I'm trying to reach my goals in economics and they have everything that I need, the support team that I need. So it came down to support, the amazing culture that they have, and the amazing coaching staff that they have. I want to be a part of a winning culture and it's a school that's won a numerous amount of titles and I want to help them continue to win and strive for higher and greater achievements."

Kap Laila (2022 Franklin/Lower Columbia) to Colorado Mesa

Also heading on to the D-II level with three years of eligibility is Laila, who definitely has journeyed on a different path since graduating from Franklin in 2022. The skilled 6-foot-8 swingman originally went to the University of Portland with the intentions of joining the team as a walk-on. Unfortunately that didn't work out, so Laila enrolled at Lower Columbia where he averaged 12.5 points and 7.0 rebounds as a redshirt freshman. With his height, skill set, and three years of eligibility left, he was highly sought after by a whole host of D-II programs but in the end he selected Colorado Mesa as his next destination.

"The reason I wanted to commit to Colorado Mesa is because of the connection me and Coach Dunlap have," Laila said. "He is a very good person - he keeps me accountable and is very straight forward and doesn't sugar coat. He also sees a lot in me and wants to help me reach my goals. The coaching staff is also very good they treated me like I was family off the rip. They are very good at what they do such as skill development and showing me how to walk the path that they have since they've done it before me.
Just amazing people to be around."

"They also have a beautiful state of the art facility with a bunch of resources to help improve my game," Laila continued. "Can't wait for the next season so that I can continue to helps the team an have an impact and continue to win!"

Liam Spencer (2023 Sprague/Linn-Benton) to Western Oregon

After a breakout senior season at Sprague, Spencer decided to stay local and attend Linn-Benton where after two years, the hope was to keep on developing his game and attract the right recruiting attention. After a freshman season averaging 7.2 points, the sharp-shooting guard really hit his stride as a sophomore in 2024-25, upping his scoring average to 19.4 points, while also averaging 3.6 rebounds and 2.7 assists. This caught the attention of new head coach Ryan Orton at Western Oregon, who was looking to rebuild a roster almost from scratch. Spencer got the offer and he jumped at the chance.

"I knew WOU was the right place for me since senior year at Sprague," Spencer said. "It was my goal to play there so I went juco to make that goal happen. Couldn't of done it without any of the help from my high school and juco teammates and coaches, along with my family. I love the whole Wolves culture and I feel like me and Coach Orton clicked instantly. I can't thank him enough for giving me this opportunity to represent him and his program, I am truly thankful. I am excited to get started!!"

Gray Thompson (2023 Central Catholic/Clackamas) to South Dakota School of Mines

Unfortunately partially due to injury, the college recruitment of Gray Thompson was a bit stalled. Undeterred, the all-around 6-foot-7 Central Catholic grad decided to stay close to home and further develop and refine his game at Clackamas - and it paid off. After averaging 14.6 points and 6.5 rebounds as a freshman, the forward upped those averages to 15.7 points and 8.8 rebounds as a sophomore and four-year schools started calling. Sorting through the options, Thompson found the best fit at the South Dakota School of Mines and he's ready to get started with the next phase of his basketball career.

"Going the juco route helped me get a ton of experience and has prepared me for the four year level," Thompson said. "I've grown a lot as a person which has helped me become a better player on the court. I really like Coach Iseman, who just got hired, and the school is really good academically. I'll also get a chance to prove myself in a tough D2 conference."

Our congratulations go out to all these student athletes and their families on their decisions.