Oregon Grassroots Preview: Elite 24 17U Black
For the better part of the last decade, Elite 24 and its director Greg Dundon have routinely put together teams that could compete with most in the Northwest. This year’s version is no different, proven by a victory this weekend over a talented Belmont Shores team from Las Angeles.
Arguably the most highly regarded 2018 prospect on the 17U Black team is 6’3 wing Jalen Thompson from West Linn High School. The smooth shooting lefty has been a key part of West Linn’s success the last two seasons and is used to playing in big games against quality competition. His poise was put to the test when he knocked down the game winning shot against Belmont Shores.
Providing athleticism on the wing is 6’6 Cole Turner from Clackamas HS. The lengthy 2018 prospect is coming off a great state tournament and provides an athletic defender and rebounder who can score in transition as needed. Already possessing multiple D1 football offers as a wide receiver, don’t be surprised to see Turner attract quality attention on the hardwood, which could make his college decision a tough one.
Other perimeter players for Elite 24 include: Mitchell Modjeski a 6’3 2018 wing from Clackamas who provides outside shooting and football type toughness. James Schilling a 6’5 2018 wing from Lake Oswego provides knockdown shooting that is valuable against the numerous zone defenses AAU teams tend to face. Josh Angle, a 6’2 Lake Oswego product is one of two 2019 players for Elite and is looking to build off his high successful sophomore season for the Lakers. Jacob Berge a physical 6’2 2017 guard from Tillamook and Caleb Larsen a 5’10 point guard from state champion Wilsonville provide depth to the roster.
Up front, the most intriguing prospect is Dane Agost, a bouncy 6’7 forward from Clackamas High School who is showing rapid improvement in his footwork and offensive skill set. Ty Horner, a skilled 6’9 post with soft hands from Sisters HS and 2019 forward Isaiah Sampson from Camas HS in Washington round out the front court group.
Elite 24 will look to build on their success from week 1 as they venture to southern California to take part in the Double Pump Showcase in Los Angeles.