Open Gym Report: Lakeridge Pacers
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 Lakeridge Pacers. Head coach Fred Gold is in the process of figuring out his varsity roster as several seniors graduated and a number of others who would have been key contributors have moved out of state – namely Tony Fair (2021) and Ethan McEachern (2021).
One of the team’s key players this season, Ryan White (2019) was not in attendance at this workout. Here are observations on a few of players that were present:
Carter Larrance (2019)
Larrance is a 6-foot-8 post who is rail thin but very mobile. He runs the floor well and is very active on the boards on both ends and as a defender. Offensively he has a decent touch on his shot and when he is able to get position, he had a nice soft lefty hook shot go-to move. A very good student, Larrance has the potential to be a Division III player but it appears he is looking to finish his athletic career at the high school level and focus on academics in college.
Nima Vaday (2019)
Vaday is a 5-foot-9 guard who will likely be the starter at the point. He was quick with the dribble and capably got into the lane. The key with Vaday may be his shot selection and decision making as times it seemed as if he was trying a bit too hard.
Lawrence Chen (2019)
Chen is a 6-foot combo guard who may be the team’s top perimeter defender. He was very steady with the ball and was reluctant to shoot, although he showed some nice penetrating moves to the basket. While we didn’t see him hit any perimeter shots, he showed some decent looking form.
Hayden Wakefield (2019)
Wakefield is a 6-foot-5 post player who takes up a lot of space in the lane. He’s a transfer from Horizon Christian who was on the team last year but did not play due to an injured hand. He showed a decent touch around the basket but he will likely be called upon to rebound and defend.
Eric Struik (2020)
Struik is a 6-foot-5 post who at times looked like the best player in the gym. He finished plays well at the basket, grabbed boards, and was a factor defensively blocking several shots. The younger brother of graduated guard John Struik, it remains to be seen if he tries out for the team but if he does, he undoubtedly would be a factor.