Updated Class of 2023 Rankings – Top Newcomers

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We are now at the midpoint of the 2022-23 boys basketball season and we've been able to get a look at teams from all over the state. As a result, we've been able to see a lot of players and make some changes to the Class of 2023 rankings. Here's a look at the top newcomers in this update.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1599526' first='Gianni' last='Altman'], Gold Beach (#30)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Altman is a lanky, athletic guard who has quietly been explosive down on the Southern Coast and is easily leading 2A in scoring at 33 ppg. The lefty can knock down NBA range threes, use shifty moves to get to the basket, and his vertical leap at 5-foot-11 allows him to throw down dunks on a regular basis. His goal is to grab Division II attention but he should be easily a target for D-III, NAIA, and JC programs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1738601' first='Liam' last='Spencer'], Sprague (#50)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sprague lost a lot from last year but one guy who's not only back but stepping up in a big way is Spencer. The 6-foot guard is a solid all-around player, capable of hitting shots both off the catch-and-shoot and creating a bit off the dribble.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1611711' first='Gabriel' last='Townsend'], Nelson (#62)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A transfer from Barlow, Townsend has had some shining moments for Nelson this season. At 6-foot-6 he's got the size to make plays inside, but also has the perimeter shooting ability and ball skills to operate from the outside.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1714379' first='Sam' last='Leavitt'], West Linn (#63)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Not truly a newcomer - he played half a season at Westview last season - and also his collegiate future will be in football as a quarterback at Michigan State, but Levitt is a serious hoops player who has started this year at Westview. He's strong, skilled, and plays with toughness bigger than his 6-foot-2 height.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1682453' first='Connor' last='Gensman'], Canby (#74)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Canby is another team that lost a lot but thanks to Gensman, they are trying to stay competitive in the ever-competitive Northwest Oregon Conference in 5A. The guard is a solid shooter and scorer who has the ability to catch fire from long range, having posted a handful of 20+ point games this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1586603' first='Colby' last='Ackerman'], Westside Christian (#90)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A transfer from Lakeridge, Ackerman has gotten his chance for more playing time with Westside Christian and has been one of their top perimeter threats so far this season. The 6-foot guard can play any spot in the backcourt and is a reliable shooter, scorer, and distributor.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1738603' first='Noah' last='Neal'], Oregon City (#93)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Neal has good size and athleticism at 6-foot-6 and has been solid in Oregon City's attack this season. He's able to use his natural gifts to battle in the paint but has the skill set to hit open jumpers from distance and be an active defender.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1738604' first='Cooper' last='Beltz'], Clackamas (#96)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Beltz will find his future on the football field - he recently committed to Central Washington - but the 6-foot-4 swingman has been a big piece in Clackamas' hot start this season. The lefty can convert catch-and-shoot opportunities but also use his strength to get to the hoop and score around the rim.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1738609' first='Afton' last='Milton'], Forest Grove (#109)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A steady ball-handler and distributor, Milton has been a calm presence at the point for Forest Grove so far this season. The baseball standout has pretty good size for a point guard at 6-foot-2 and is a physical defender.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1738610' first='Jaren' last='Oglesby'], Salem Academy (#113)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Along with twin brother big man , Oglesby has been a huge reason why many believe Salem Academy is a 2A championship contender. The 6-foot-4 wing has good size, the ability to create off the dribble, and is capable of hitting shots in the clutch.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->