Hoopsource President’s Day Showcase: Top Performers (Sunday)

<p>The HoopSource President’s Day Showcase continued on through the weekend in the Phoenix area and on Sunday we had the opportunity to catch several of the top Oregon-based squads in action as they proceeded into bracket play. Here are some of the top performers we spotted.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="942247" first="Devon" last="Malcolm"], A-Train Oregon Magic (2022 Butte Falls)</strong></p> <p>Malcolm was his usual high-flying self, getting free in the open court for some highlight-reel, powerful fast break dunks. But the 6-foot-4 swingman was also solid in the half-court, finishing plays inside while absorbing contact against taller opponents. Despite the size disadvantage at times, he more than held his own on the boards and on defense.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="857343" first="Samaje" last="Morgan"], Elite 24 (2022 Churchill)</strong></p> <p>Morgan is unquestionably the quickest and fastest guard in the state and that was on full display on Sunday. The 5-foot-9 point guard is a blur in the open court and he converted several turnovers in Elite 24’s zone press into easy points. Morgan got his buckets in the half-court largely from floaters and pull-ups and was effective in getting his teammates involved.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="855937" first="Isaiah" last="Gilliam"], Deep III (2021 South Albany)</strong></p> <p>Gilliam was one of the few players with experience playing at the PHH arena thanks to the Grind Session, and it showed. The 6-foot-2 guard was confident with the basketball in the games we saw, utilizing his strength and body to get to the cup and finish through contact. His handle held up under defensive pressure and he also helped out on the baords.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="857353" first="Malik" last="Ross"], Elite 24 Black (2022 Tualatin)</strong></p> <p>Ross was his team’s high scorer in the first game in bracket play with 15 points, most of which came on strong drives in the lane where he either scored or drew the foul. The 5-foot-11 barrel-chested junior was able to overpower defenders but he also utilized his speed and quickness to really get down the floor on the break. Far from solely a scorer, Ross also dished off some nice-looking assists.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="855958" first="Brett" last="Moss"], Elite 24 Grey (2021 Tigard)</strong></p> <p>Moss has one of the highest motors in the senior class and it definitely showed in the action we caught of him with Elite 24 Grey. The 6-foot-3 wing simply gets after it on both ends of the floor and has the athleticism to finish in transition at the rim. Moss also knocked down some open jumpers to keep defenses honest.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="855971" first="Brett" last="Linhart"], Mountainside (2021 Mountainside)</strong></p> <p>Linhart was the top shooter we saw on the day, draining seven threes in two games. But 5-foot-11 guard didn’t just catch and shoot to bust zones, he also showed some ability to create off the dribble and toss some nifty dimes to teammates for easy scores. Linhart also played some awfully pesky on-the-ball defense.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="857364" first="Dimitri" last="Cohen"], Mountainside (2022 Mountainside)</strong></p> <p>This was the first extended action we’ve seen of Cohen and color us impressed. The lefty point guard was very aggressive offensively, getting to the bucket and finishing in acrobatic ways, while also showcasing a smooth shot from the perimeter.</p>