Practice Report: La Salle Falcons
Practice has started around the state and PrepHoops Oregon continues to make the rounds to get a look at teams before the season starts. Tuesday afternoon’s visit was to see the La Salle Falcons. Head coach Sean Christensen doesn’t have a lot of size on his squad, but they have the perimeter play to open things up and make matchups tough for opponents in 5A this season.
Brothers Alex Boyd (2019) and Nic Boyd (2021) were not in attendance as they were in California for the holidays. Here are observations on some of the team’s top players at practice:
Jace Norton (2019)
The lefty guard showed what he usually shows – a very smooth and accurate shot from the outside. But Norton has worked on his game this summer and he was taking it strong to the basket and also creating for others. The 6-foot-1 senior who has a 1390 SAT score noted that he’s been in contact with a number of Division III schools and we’ll have an update posted on him soon.
Justin North (2019)
A standout on the soccer team, North immediately made an impression with his motor. The 6-foot-1 senior was going all out on both ends of the floor and his intensity was incredibly evident. North took it strong to the hole and fought for every loose ball. Assuming he keeps his emotions under control, he will provide a lot of energy.
Kendric Taylor (2021)
Taylor is a small guard with a lot of potential according to Christensen. He was good with the ball in his hands and also had a pretty nice looking perimeter shot.
Ian Simmons (2021)
If you took a look at Simmons from a distance, he certainly wouldn’t strike fear. But as small and slight a build Simmons has, he is a killer on the court. He has a very smooth looking jumper and he wasn’t afraid to take the ball in the paint.
Nolan Grogan (2019)
At 6-foot-4, Grogan is one of the taller players in the program. The senior ran the floor fairly well and in general played good team ball.