Summer Top 5A Transfers

The month of June is an important one for high school basketball as returning players come back to their high school programs from club basketball to start getting ready for next season. It's also a time that's interesting in that players who are looking to transfer schools will suit up for their new teams and get accustomed to new teammates and systems of play. While there's no guarantee these players will definitely attend and play at these new destinations in the fall - it's only official once school starts - but it is an indication of what's to come for next season.   We certainly aren't looking to glamorize what's now known as the "high school transfer portal" but it is a fact of life in prep sports these days and we do want all to stay up to date with what's going on in the basketball scene. That said, here are some of the top transfers at and going into the 5A level that we either saw or were made aware of this past month.   [player_tooltip player_id='1582927' first='Adrian' last='Montague'] - Roosevelt to Parkrose   After a standout junior season at Roosevelt - one where he earned First Team All-PIL honors after averaging a team-high 15.9 points, 3.4 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 2.2 steals - "Fuzzy" will take his talents to Parkrose for his senior season. The shifty lefty point guard has settled in quite nicely for head coach Kendrick Williams this summer, playing both backcourt positions and effectively using his ability off the bounce to create for himself and others.   [player_tooltip player_id='2026486' first='Keone' last='Gates'] - Grant to Parkrose   Another First Team All-PIL honoree last season after averaging 13.3 points and 3.7 rebounds, Gates will take his explosive scoring ability to Parkrose to play alongside Montague. Capable of doing damage either with or without the ball in his hands, he'll work together with fellow transfer Montague to create what could be the most dynamic backcourt in 5A if not the entire state.   [player_tooltip player_id='2026056' first='Varryk' last='Hardges'] - Grant to Parkrose   Adding some more perimeter firepower to Parkrose is the addition of Hardges, who averaged 10.1 points, 3.6 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 1.0 blocks last year at Grant for his sophomore season. His ability to score at all three levels and get after it on the defensive end will give the Broncos plenty of versatility and options in the backcourt.   Keion James - Grant to Parkrose   The third transfer from Grant to Parkrose is James, one of the more unique players in the state. Standing 6-foot, the rising senior has the strength to battle players in the paint often times much taller than him but has the ball-handling and passing skills to run the offense. James averaged 7.2 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 1.5 assists last season for the Generals.   Muhammad Carter - Wells to Parkrose   The fifth transfer that played in a Parkrose uniform this summer is Carter, who at 6-foot-8 and athletic potentially adds a dimension most teams at the 5A level don't have - raw size. The rising junior has continued to develop as a prospect, often putting up double-doubles for Wells last season and his ability to rebound and run the floor make him a rim-running threat in transition.   [player_tooltip player_id='2539884' first='Aazzee' last='Breaux'] - Centennial to Wilsonville   A newcomer to the state last season, Breaux jumped right in at Centennial as a varsity contributor as a sophomore, ending the season averaging 14.5 points and 4.2 rebounds. The 6-foot-5 wing will change scenery to Wilsonville in 2025-26, where he figures to be an instant impact player with his length, athleticism, and upside as the Wildcats will once again be state title contenders.   [player_tooltip player_id='1582935' first='Jemel' last='Baker'] - Roosevelt to Centennial   Making a change for his final season of high school basketball is Baker, who will play outside the PIL for the first time in his prep career. The 6-foot-3 wing has great length and can really get out and score in transition, and his all-around offensive ability should fit right in with the up-tempo and position-less style of play head coach Demetrius McQuarn has implemented at Centennial.   [player_tooltip player_id='2910086' first='Sebastian' last='Larsen'] - Denmark to Centennial   Perhaps the most intriguing transfer to 5A for this upcoming season is Larsen, who not only comes from out of state but from out of the country. The native of Denmark stands 6-foot-10 and from the highlights we've seen of him playing with the Stars With U AAU program so far in July, he's mobile, runs the floor well, and has a fairly soft touch around the basket. He comes to the United States as a member of the Class of 2027.

The month of June is an important one for high school basketball as returning players come back to their high school programs from club basketball to start getting ready for next season. It's also a time that's interesting in that players who are looking to transfer schools will suit up for their new teams and get accustomed to new teammates and systems of play. While there's no guarantee these players will definitely attend and play at these new destinations in the fall - it's only official once school starts - but it is an indication of what's to come for next season.