Grassroots Update: Nike Team Northwest 17U Team Knight
They might be considered the “second” team of Nike Team Northwest 17U, but Nike Team Northwest Team Knight has done quite well this spring. Head coach Brandon McCain saw his squad capture the Gold Division Championship at The Hoop Memorial Day Classic and he’s hoping for more W’s and college exposure for his players in the month of July.
“I’ve been extremely proud of how we started to where we finished this spring,” McCain said. “Now we’re going to try to win some games in the summer.”
Here’s a breakdown of the current roster and how they have performed so far:
Colton Gorski (2019 Sandy HS) – Gorski has been one of the team’s leading scorers as a lead guard. Also a football player, he is a tremendous athlete who is capable of using his strength to drive and finish while also being able to knock down perimeter shots. Western Oregon has shown interest, as well as Mt. Hood CC where his older brother Mason plays.
Jace Norton (2019 La Salle HS) – Norton is one of the best shooters that McClain has known in his coaching career and feels that he would be a great find for a college program. He has been a knockdown shooter from beyond the arc that the team has looked for him on the wing as much as possible. The 6-foot-1 guard is still developing other parts of his game to be a more all-around player. Some Division III and NAIA schools have taken early interest.
Grant Fuson (2019 Lake Oswego HS) – Fuson has been absolutely solid for the team according to McClain. He’s provided some physicality inside and he has shown the ability to face up and knock down shots. A self-proclaimed “glue guy”, Fuson has been that and more for the squad this spring and is starting to receive Division III recruiting interest.
Zach Rivers (2019 Wilsonville HS) – Rivers is actually young for his grade but has shown signs of development since spring ball started. The 6-foot guard has been steady at the point, has shot the ball fairly well, and overall has been a solid performer for the team.
Fox Bessinger (2019 Camas HS) – Bessinger got off to a bit of a slow start, but has started to find his groove with the squad, especially with his shot. The key to the game of the 6-foot-1 guard is his confidence level and that has improved over the course of time.
Ryan White (2019 Lakeridge HS) – White has provided depth in the backcourt and up front despite being a bit undersized at 6-foot-2. His confidence has improved as the AAU season has progressed.
Jordan Kurahara (2018 Hood River HS) was a key player down low in the spring, but has since signed with Linn-Benton CC. A recent addition to the roster is Grant Irby (2019 Wilsonville HS) who at 5-foot-10 will add backcourt depth.