Open Gym Report: West Linn Lions
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. Tuesday evening’s visit was to see the West Linn Lions. Head coach Tyler Toney has a talented squad that will score plenty of points as they chase a Three Rivers League title.
Two varsity football players who will be in the main rotation were absent in Damiko Tidmore (2020) and Cade Knutson (2019). Here are observations on several of the players present:
Micah Garrett (2020)
There’s one thing Garrett does extremely well and that’s take the ball to the basket. He did that early and often in open gym, largely because it was so easy for him to do. One area where the 6-foot-3 junior really excelled in was when after he grabbed a defensive rebound, he would push it up the floor with almost reckless but yet controlled abandon before finishing at the hoop. Garrett didn’t take many perimeter jumpers but did hit a number that he attempted. Garrett made unofficial visits to Colorado State and Northern Colorado over the weekend and we’ll have his thoughts on those posted soon.
Bryson Crockett (2020)
Crockett showed off his complete offensive package, as the lefty hit open threes but also converted on drives to the basket, whether it was a layup or small floaters in the lane. He was devastating in transition, getting out ahead of defenses to catch the pass and quickly convert. Crockett was largely efficient with the basketball, making plays without wasting too many dribbles.
Drayton Caolie (2019)
Caolie struggled with his outside shot a little early on, but when he hit a couple he really got cooking, hitting several from well beyond the three-point line. As always, it wasn’t about creating his own offense as he found open teammates cutting to the basket on a consistent basis whether in the halfcourt set, or off penetration where he utilized his strength to create space.
Oreon Courtney (2019)
We’ve gotten used to seeing Courtney all over the basketball floor and this evening was no exception. The 6-foot-3 senior was up and down the court, caching passes and finishing in transition, grabbing boards left and right, and even sank a perimeter jumper or two. Courtney often matched up directly against Garrett so it was a sight to see the two athletes go toe-to-toe. Courtney recently picked up a scholarship offer from Concordia and other schools have started to show interest.
Joe Juhala (2020)
Juhala is a developing 6-foot-7 forward who will get promoted to varsity this season. He ran the floor well and tried to dunk the ball whenever he got the chance. He finished a number of plays inside and also stepped out and hit a couple of wide open threes. Juhala fought hard to get rebounds on both ends and also blocked a number of shots.
Zinaan Ogadhoh (2020)
Best known simply as “Z”, Ogadhoh transferred to West Linn from Westview, and at 6-foot-8, 250-plus pounds, he is quite a load. While he isn’t particularly fleet of foot, Ogadhoh does get up and down the floor ok and his pure size will be an asset to the Lions this season. On Tuesday, he certainly took up space in the lane and blocked some shots on defense, but also floated out to the perimeter to launch some perimeter shots. Ogadhoh is very much still a work in progress, but as the old adage goes, you can’t teach size.
Mason VanBeenen (2022)
At 6-foot-7 and potentially still growing – according to Toney, VanBeenen may grow as tall as 6-foot-11 – VanBeenen will get some varsity minutes. He’s still growing into his body but has some natural skills and while it’s a bit of a low release, he has a nice touch on his outside shot. There’s no question he will need to get stronger in order to get significant court action but it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him come along as the season progresses.