Hustle Region Finals: Oregon Player Updates
The PrepHoops Circuit Hustle Region Finals took place this past weekend in Irvine and while there were no teams from Oregon in the field, there were a few individual players in attendance with their out-of-state AAU squads. We got a…
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Continue ReadingThe PrepHoops Circuit Hustle Region Finals took place this past weekend in Irvine and while there were no teams from Oregon in the field, there were a few individual players in attendance with their out-of-state AAU squads. We got a chance to see and chat with Wayne McKinney, Guy Littlefield, and Justin Scoggin (who was unable to play but was there) and here’s a look at what they did.
Wayne McKinney (2021 Lake Oswego HS) – Even though he may have been “only” playing in 16U, there was no question that McKinney was one of the top performers of the entire event. The 5-foot-11 point guard was essentially unstoppable on the offensive end for the Coastal Elite, basically getting to the basket whenever he wanted to. Whenever his defender picked him up, McKinney was spot the opening and was equally effective going to his left as he was to the left, and then if he wasn’t fouled – something that happened a lot – he was able to finish at the rim. In fact, in the semifinals he caught a pass in transition and finished with a one-handed lefty flush. McKinney didn’t just play a one-man game, he was constantly looking for his teammates and on numerous occasions after grabbing the defensive rebound or a steal, he would immediately look up court and fire an outlet pass to hit a cutting teammate to the basket for the easy transition hoop. And defensively, he was a terror using his quick hands and physicality to disrupt opposing ball-handlers.
True, McKinney’s outside shot is still a work in progress as it’s not quite a go-to thing for him yet, but he hit enough perimeter jumpers to keep the defenses honest. And while he drew a lot of fouls, his free throws need some tuning up. But there’s no question McKinney made a case for himself as a Division I point guard prospect. Of course the question remains whether or not he returns to Oregon or if he stays in Southern California, but we caught up with McKinney about that subject (and more) and will post an update soon.
Guy Littlefield (2020 Forest Grove HS) – Littlefield has been playing on the PrepHoops Circuit this summer with Nevada Hard 2 Guard and at the Finals, he showed that he has the potential to be one of the top senior point guards in the state. The 5-foot-11 floor leader was on point with his passing, showing the ability to make great decisions both in the half court and in transition and he largely played turnover free the entire tournament. When needed, Littlefield was able to get to the basket and score, using his strength to overpower smaller defenders near the basket. In fact, in the Hard 2 Guard’s first game it was Littlefield that led the team in scoring.
Most of the time though, Littlefield focused on getting his teammates the rock for easy buckets and it helped he had a couple of 6-foot-7 guys inside who were good at converting after getting the pass. A good student with a near 4.0 GPA, Littlefield is getting solid D-III interest from programs up and down the West Coast.
Justin Scoggin (2020 West Salem HS) – Scoggin was scheduled to play with California Select Black and he was there at the Momentous Sports Center with the team. Unfortunately while getting ready to play, the 6-foot-3 combo guard suffered what he termed a heat stroke, and he ended up sitting out as a precautionary measure. Scoggin was there on the first full day supporting his team though and he noted that playing with California Select was a good experience for him. We’ll have an update on him and his summer posted soon.