Open Gym/Workout Report: Franklin Quakers/Century Jaguars
A couple of our open gym workouts saw us make the trek southeast – to Southeast Portland and Franklin and Southeast Hillsboro to Century. Both squads are hoping for upper division finishes in the PIL and Pacific League respectively and…
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Continue ReadingA couple of our open gym workouts saw us make the trek southeast – to Southeast Portland and Franklin and Southeast Hillsboro to Century. Both squads are hoping for upper division finishes in the PIL and Pacific League respectively and have a number of returning guys – and newcomers – to make that happen. Here’s a look at some of the top players we saw at both locations this past week.
Tucker Pellicci (2020 Franklin)
There’s a case to be made for Pellicci as one of the state’s top senior big guys as he has continued to improve each time we see him. Now 6-foot-11, he has improved his overall mobility and athleticism and dunking the ball was a regular occurence in open gym. Pellicci posted up strong, showcased some basic post moves, and also stepped out and showed that he could even sink an open three.
Caden Wagner (2020 Franklin)
One area that Franklin will need is perimeter scoring with the graduation of Taylor Pomeroy and Wagner may be up to the task to filling that role. The 6-foot-2 senior has good size on the wing and has always been a good perimeter shooter but in open gym he displayed an ability to get to the basket and finish, on one time in transition with the dunk.
Henry Grassman (2022 Franklin)
Grassman is plenty big at 6-foot-8 or so – and possibly still growing – and is still growing into his frame. Franklin head coach Scott Aker believes the sophomore is around the same stage as development that Pellicci was at the same age. Grassman had some trouble finishing plays down low offensively but didn’t back down, especially on defense, where he blocked a few of Pellicci’s shot attempts.
Jospin Mugisha (2020 Century)
Mugisha could very well be Century’s leading scorer this season. The 6-foot senior has really added some muscle to his body and physically was hard to handle in open gym. Mugisha shot well from the perimeter but really made an impact going to the bucket and even posted up on occasion. Century all-time great Cameron McCaffrey was in the building working out with the kids but Mugisha didn’t back down at all in trying to guard Augustana’s all-time leading scorer.
Ikin Chan (2020 Century)
Chan is the point guard and will be the engine that makes Century go. He handled the ball with poise, made smart decisions with the basketball, and knocked down the open jumper when left open. The 5-foot-9 senior looks to have added some muscle to his frame, which allows for him to finish better around the hoop.
Eddy Essien (2021 Century)
Essien should be the top marksman for the Jaguars this season. The 5-foot-10 wing showed a smooth stroke from beyond the arc, both on the catch-and-shoot and on one or two dribble pull-ups. He also made a couple of strong drives to the basket and finished well in transition.
Axton Wongsomadi (2023 Century)
While most of the freshman were running on the other court, Wongsomadi was playing with the varsity squad. The 5-foot-11 wing will definitely need to get stronger, but he’s got a nice touch from the outside and a good feel for the game. Century assistant coach David Cernin said that Wongsomadi will likely swing JV but has a great chance at getting some varsity minutes this season.