Grassroots Update: Rose City Rebels 15U
If you aren’t getting the message yet, the Class of 2021 in the state of Oregon is loaded. The Rose City Rebels 15U are indication of that as the team has found success on the EYBL 15U circuit and with their recent win at the Rose City Showcase, posting a 21-5 overall record thus far. Head coach Robert Key has been thrilled with his team’s development this spring and is expecting big things out of them in the month of July.
Here’s a breakdown of the roster and how they have performed this far.
Kamron Robinson (2021 Jefferson HS) – Robinson has been the anchor in the middle for the Rebels and one of the team’s leading scorers this spring. The nephew of former Blazer Clifford Robinson, he’s from a family of basketball players and has a natural feel for the game. His footwork has gotten better defensively and he’s been a force on the boards on both ends. The key for the 6-foot-7 post moving forward will be getting in better shape and improving his overall mobility.
Darius Gakwasi (2021 Central Catholic HS) – Gakwasi is what Key considers an “unbelievable talent”. Incredibly athletic, he’s extremely dangerous in the open floor and the 6-foot-5 swingman is very smooth all-around and has displayed a good basketball IQ. While his shot is OK, he will need to continue developing his shooting so that his three-point shot is consistent. Along with Robinson, Gakwasi has been one of the team’s most consistent scoring threats.
Ben Gregg (2021 Columbia Christian HS) – Gregg, from his body to his game, is mature well beyond his years. Already 6-foot-8, he may still be growing. He can score with his back to the basket, facing up off the dribble, or hitting from long range. An unselfish player, Gregg passes well and defensively, he’s been a terror blocking shots. According to Key, the sky is the limit for Gregg – and that may mean him playing up at the 17U level with the Rebels in the month of July.
Drew Carter (2021 Tigard HS) – Carter had a bit of a slow start this spring but after getting adjusted to the speed and talent level of the EYBL, has since taken off. The 6-foot-2 combo guard is athletic, can shoot the three, and defensively is one of the better one-on-one defenders on the team. An active player, he simply has made things happen on the basketball floor.
Roy Bunn (2021 Jesuit HS) – Bunn is the only pure point guard on the Rebels and according to Key, out of everyone on the team has head and shoulders improved the most since the start of AAU play. He has effectively run the team, taken care of the ball, and works hard on both ends of the floor. Bunn is still developing his outside shooting but he’s made some changes with his release and continues to improve.
Damonte Burns (2021 Parkrose HS) – Burns is another combo guard on the squad who has served as the primary backup at the point. While those floor leader skills are still improving, he has been able to show some signs of being a shooter at the mid-range and three-point levels.
Tony Fair (2021 Lakeridge HS) – Fair played varsity at Lakeridge last year but it appears he will be moving to Montana. His contributions this spring have largely been on the defensive end where he has been able to utilize his size and length to create disruptions in the passing lanes.
Trace Salton (2021 Lake Oswego HS) – Salton has been largely out of action due to an ankle injury. But when he was available to play, he made an impact on the defensive end and was doing the job scoring as well. It appears he won’t be available to play until the middle of July.