Les Schwab Invitational: Class of 2021 Top Player Evaluations
The 23rd annual Les Schwab Invitational just completed and many of the state’s top players competed in the event. Here’s a look at how the top five ranked Class of 2021 players that played in the tournament performed. #2 –…
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Continue ReadingThe 23rd annual Les Schwab Invitational just completed and many of the state’s top players competed in the event. Here’s a look at how the top five ranked Class of 2021 players that played in the tournament performed.
#2 – Ben Gregg (2021 Columbia Christian) – Stats: 23.3 ppg, 15.8 rpg, 4.3 apg, .550 fg%, .294 3pt%, .759 ft%
Gregg’s play at the Les Schwab Invitational was one of the highlights of the tournament. Other than the very first game against Gonzaga Prep, the sophomore took the field by storm and was dominant in every game in one area or another – and against Southridge it was in every area as he posted a triple-double of 36 points, 15 rebounds, and 11 assists to go along with a few blocks. He led the tournament in rebounding and blocks and was among the leaders in scoring and field goal percentage. The funny thing about Gregg at the event was that he didn’t even shoot all that well from three-point range, which is one of his calling cards. But his overall play earned the respect of many – including Oregon and Cal who have since both offered him scholarships.
#3 – Nate Rawlins-Kibonge (2021 Jefferson) – Stats: 4.8 ppg, 5.8 rpg, 2.8 bpg, .471 fg%, 1.000 ft%
Rawlins-Kibonge suffered a minor knee injury midway through the LSI which seemed to hamper him a bit, especially offensively so his scoring numbers weren’t big. But despite the limited minutes, the sophomore big man still contributed heavily on the boards and especially on defense as he not only ranked second in blocked shots but may have led the tournament in charges taken. While the Demos didn’t get to use this much, Rawlins-Kibonge also showed some underrated passing skills working the high-low with teammate Kamron Robinson in the post.
#4 – Darius Gakwasi (2021 Central Catholic) – Stats: 15.0 ppg, 5.3 rpg, 1.3 apg, .407 fg%, .409 3pt%, .583 ft%
Other than a clunker on the third day, Gakwasi had a good overall performance at the Les Schwab Invitational. His overall decision making was good and in particular he was fairly sharp from three-point range – his four first half threes against University School were critical in helping the Rams stay with the bigger Sharks. Of all the young talent at Central Catholic, it’s Gakwasi who has the most upside with his ability to handle and pass the ball to go along with his near 6-foot-6 frame.
#5 – Wayne McKinney (2021 Lake Oswego) – Stats: 12.5 ppg, 4.8 rpg, 3.8 apg, .358 fg%, .417 3pt%, .636 ft%
McKinney came to play and was a solid second scorer for the Lakers after Josh Angle, but didn’t sacrifice his floor leadership to do so. If not for a dismal 1-for-11 shooting performance against Gonzaga Prep, the sophomore would have shot much better from the field overall. But McKinney was tough going to the basket, hit a number of pull-up jumpers, and also sank at least one three a game to keep defenses honest. His best basketball is still ahead of him but there’s no question that his play and solid physique for his young age have already drawn the attention of college programs.
#7 – Kamron Robinson (2021 Jefferson) – Stats: 7.8 ppg, 4.8 rpg, 1.5 apg, .591 fg%, .556 ft%
Since losing 40 pounds over the summer, Robinson has been able to stay on the court for longer stretches of time and be effective. At the LSI, he was good at getting position in the post and was near unstoppable with his soft touch. He – and for that matter the rest of the Demos – didn’t match up well against Sierra Canyon, but Robinson bounced back in a big way with 12 points and six rebounds against Gonzaga Prep in the third place game. Robinson isn’t just a black hole either as evidenced by his five-assist performance against West Linn. As he continues to improve his conditioning and overall athleticism, Robinson should remain a real load in the lane against in-state opponents.