May Day Challenge – More Stock Risers

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This past weekend we had the opportunity to drop by Reynolds High School for the HoopSource May Day Challenge and catch a handful of games, mostly from the 17U/18U and 15U levels, including the 17U/18U East championship game which was captured by Carr Sports Academy in thrilling fashion, 84-82.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's a quick look at some more top performers in the 17U/18U division who should see their stock rise this summer.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1587916' first='Colt' last='Ness'], Oregon Prospects 17U North (2025 Tigard)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ness only played on Saturday but made an impression with the Prospects North squad. He was shifty off the dribble, keeping defenders off balance with his moves, and was able to create space to get his own shot off whether it was getting to the hoop or further away from the basket. While he often looked for his own shot, he did not play selfishly and looked for others, making good decisions in transition.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1661357' first='Mykah' last='Mendoza'], Oregon Prospects 17U South (2024 Roseburg)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As we've become accustomed to seeing from Mendoza during his high school career at Roseburg, the lanky wing was able to utilize his natural athleticism to finish plays around the basket. The lefty hit some outside shots but was especially dangerous getting out in transition for easy buckets. He recently signed with Linn-Benton.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1315381' first='Peyton' last='Bruner'], Oregon Prospects 17U South (2025 Grants Pass)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In the action we watched, Bruner was pretty intent on one thing - getting to the hoop. If this meant he would need to go amongst the trees and draw all sorts of contact, that's excatly what he did because he wasn't one bit afraid of getting physical and was rewarded with a number of trips to the free throw line. He relentlessly attacked the offensive glass for some putbacks as well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2046424' first='Gavin' last='Aguilar'], Albany Elite (2025 West Albany)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We didn't get a chance to catch Aguilar in person but based on some highlight clips posted, the rising senior from West Albany had some big games shooting and scoring the basketball. He compiled a couple of 30-point efforts and the righty hit a left-handed game winner in the lane in a win over Oregon Prospects 17U South.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1368253' first='Anthony' last='Best'], NW Drip 2025 (2025 Cascade)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of a select few rising seniors playing with a team from out-of-state, from what we saw Best has been serving as a utility-type player. He operated mainly from the perimeter where he was able to shoot jumpers or create off the dribble for some scores, but also looked to hustle inside for rebounds and provide interior help defense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2026062' first='RJ' last='Barhoum'], Valley Rogue (2027 Clackamas)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Playing with a number of his Clackamas High School teammates as well as some other familiar faces from nearby Nelson High School, Barhoum was able to compete effectively against mostly older players. The rising sophomore is known best for his deep shooting range and he sank a few jumpers in the game we saw, but he also looked to get to the hoop for a number of tough buckets. Some good hustle on defense as well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->