University of Portland Team Camp - Eye Catchers

The second session of Pilots basketball team camp was held at the Beauchamp Center at the University of Portland and we had the opportunity to drop by for the full day's action on Saturday. A number of playoff contending teams for next season were in attendance as the high school summer season wrapped up this final weekend. Here's a look at some of the performers that caught our eye, ones we had either never previously seen or made a new impression on us with their play:   [player_tooltip player_id='1517891' first='Sam' last='Lewis'] (2024 Nelson)   Lewis showed off a nice quick release from three-point range but also the athleticism to get to the hoop and finish at the rim. He has a nice athletic build with a set of shoulders that could easily put on more weight/muscle. The younger brother of former Clackamas standout Ryan Lewis should be a key go-to guy for Nelson next season.   [player_tooltip player_id='1110735' first='Carlos' last='Rodriguez'] (2024 Jefferson)   What Rodriguez lacks in height - he's listed at 6-foot-3 - he more than makes up for with motor and desire. The rising senior was battling on the boards all game long in the action we saw him at Portland team camp and was fearless attacking the basket and trying to finish over bigger players. The lefty's inspired play was infectious to his teammates.   [player_tooltip player_id='2054510' first='Miles' last='Daly'] (2024 Oregon City)   With [player_tooltip player_id='1565734' first='Brayden' last='Welch'] not playing (we assume due to his main sport football), Daly got the call as the man in the middle and he delivered for Oregon City. The rising 6-foot-7 senior was a stalwart down low, doing a good job battling on the glass - especially on the offensive end - and getting scores around the hoop. Daly ran the floor fairly well and was a factor on the defensive end.   [player_tooltip player_id='2054492' first='Kaden' last='Holm'] (2024 Stayton)   Catching our eye was Holm, who fared fairly well in the action we watched. The rising 6-foot-6 senior played hard, ran the floor well, and was a competent threat on the offensive end, showing off some decent post moves and a pretty nice touch around the hoop.   [player_tooltip player_id='2054493' first='Julius' last='Pakorny'] (2024 Stayton)   Stayton had a number of guys that could shoot the ball but Pakorny caught our eye the most - and we'll admit it's due to our proclivity towards lefties. The rising senior used that to his advantage to create off the dribble and hit a number of tough pull-up shots in the lane. We also liked his wiry strength and motor on the defensive end.   [player_tooltip player_id='1910908' first='D'Ryus' last='Dent'] (2025 Jefferson)   A well-built athlete, Dent served the role of what we call a "hustle guy plus". The rising junior was productive despite not really having any plays called for him, getting baskets around the hoop after receiving the extra pass, off the offensive rebound, or getting loose on the break. He even knocked down a couple of open threes to keep the defense honest.   [player_tooltip player_id='2054512' first='Jackson' last='Farris'] (2025 Valley Catholic)   Football may be his main sport, but Farris proved at Portland team camp that he is awfully effective as a basketball player as well. Despite being undersized, he not only used his strength and power to battle down low but also his nimbleness and ability to move to rebound, defend, and score in the lane. The rising junior should be a key guy at Valley Catholic next season.   [player_tooltip player_id='2054373' first='Alijah' last='Scott'] (2025 Oregon City)   With normal starter [player_tooltip player_id='1450157' first='Gylan' last='Payne'] out due to injury, Scott got the opportunity for more playing time for Oregon City and he impressed. He's a versatile guard who can play any of the backcourt spots, can hit open shots as well as get to the hoop. He proved to be a solid compliment to his teammates and seemed at his best when he took advantage of whatever the defense gave him.   [player_tooltip player_id='2026057' first='Braylon' last='Gaines'] (2027 Nelson)   We've watched Gaines a couple of times now and we're certain he's one of the top incoming freshmen in the state. The 6-foot point guard plays with a maturity and confidence beyond his years and isn't afraid of anything or anybody. His strength comes from driving to the hoop, often times resulting in getting fouled and going to the line. Great defense as well from Gaines as well, who rarely came out of the two games we watched.   [player_tooltip player_id='2053517' first='Zaire' last='Williams'] (2027 Centennial)   An incoming freshman, we wouldn't be surprised at all to see Williams start in high school from day one. The 5-foot-8 point guard was confident in all aspects of the game at Portland team camp, hitting threes while also fearlessly taking the ball to the basket against much bigger players. Centennial head coach Demeterius McQuarn later indicated to us that Williams has been the team's leading scorer this summer.

The second session of Pilots basketball team camp was held at the Beauchamp Center at the University of Portland and we had the opportunity to drop by for the full day's action on Saturday. A number of playoff contending teams for next season were in attendance as the high school summer season wrapped up this final weekend. Here's a look at some of the performers that caught our eye, ones we had either never previously seen or made a new impression on us with their play: