Open Gym Report: Parkrose Broncos
PrepHoops Oregon is hitting up open gyms in the Portland Metro area this next month to get an early look some of the top teams. Thursday evening’s visit was to see the Parkrose Broncos. Head coach Donnell Morgan is in his second year at the school and he has the type of athletes to make a good run at the Northwest Oregon Conference title and the state tournament.
Here are observations on the several players that were present:
Damonte Burns (2021)
Burns played in open gym the same way he’s played all summer long – smooth and silent, but yet deadly. The 6-foot guard was deadly from long range but also glided to the basket easily for basket for himself or dishes to the open man for an easy basket. He pushed the ball up the floor on the break and on one occasion, got to show off his athleticism with a one-handed jam. According to Coach Morgan, Burns is still working on his defense but he will be a force to be reckoned with this upcoming season.
Shawn Briggs (2019)
Briggs is a quick point guard who really pushes the ball up the floor and either scores for himself or kicks it out to the open man. The senior has an incredible motor on both ends, and he was ultra-competitive as well – almost to a fault as he got rather emotional at times when things weren’t going quite right. If he gets that under control, he could be a Patrick Beverley-type for the Broncos.
Tyjuan Overton (2020)
This was our first look at Overton and the initial impression was regarding his physique as he’s built like a manchild. At 6-foot-5, he has the body of a grown man and he was able to physically overpower defenders in games. Overton has a pretty decent handle and while his living was made taking the ball to the hole, he did step back and hit a couple of lefty jumpers. All indications are he will be eligible to play this season and he will no doubt be a difference maker.
Trey Anderson (2021)
Anderson is a dual athlete who also plays wide receiver and defensive back on the football team. He has a solid 6-foot-3, 180-pound body and played with intensity on the floor on both ends. Anderson hit a couple of jumpers and finished plays strong around the hoop. Another emotional player, he will need to keep things in check to be fully effective.
Solomon Campbell (2019)
Campbell is hard to miss on the floor at 6-foot-9, even if he is rail thin in stature. The senior is coming off knee surgery so he was a bit hampered, but he still ran the floor fairly well and he was definitely a factor with his length either blocking or altering shots on defense. Offensively, he’s still developing but not much will be expected out of him in that arena this year. Campbell is currently hearing from a number of JC and NAIA programs and we will have an update posted on him soon.
Travion Weiss (2019)
At 6-foot-4, 250-ish pounds, Weiss at first glance looks like a defensive lineman trying to play basketball. But watch the senior transfer from Hudson’s Bay in Vancouver operate and you’ll see that he’s light on his feet and very skilled with the basketball. In fact, his size and the way he handled the rock full-court reminded us a bit of former New York Knick Anthony Mason – even with the left-handed shot. Weiss will have to be tougher inside and on the boards for Parkrose this season but he’s no doubt one of the more unique players we’ve seen in open gym this fall.