Prospect Spotlight: Parker Spence (2019 McMinnville HS)
McMinnville is moving to a brand new league in 6A this season and the Grizzlies will be leaning heavily on their seniors. Parker Spence is looking forward to the challenges ahead. The tough 6-foot-3, 170-pound guard cut his teeth on high level competition this summer with the Hoop Salem’s High Academic team and as he’s been in contact with college programs, he’s aiming for a big final year of prep basketball.
“It was definitely a good experience,” Spence said of his time in AAU basketball. “I felt like my confidence got a lot better and I got to do what I wanted to do – it was probably my best summer with scoring. I worked more on getting to the hoop and not just be a three-point shooter.”
Spence’s reputation has been as a shooter, in particular hitting the corner three. AAU ball gave him the chance to expand his game a little more and college programs noticed. Spence noted that he’s hearing from a number of Division III Northwest Conference schools such as Linfield and Pacific Lutheran, as well as some NWAC JC programs such as Clark and Clackamas. His preference is to go away from home for school but he’s keeping his options open.
“I just want to go somewhere that I can play,” Spence said. “I just got done with football season so hopefully I’ll get to go and see some places.”
A good senior season should help him cement some scholarship offers and Spence is excited about the Grizzlies and how they compete in the new Pacific League. “I’m expecting to work hard and I’m looking forward to this season,” Spence said. “We’re going to do our best and our goal is to win league this year.”
Spence currently ranks as the #54 player in the PrepHoops Oregon Class of 2019 rankings.