Class of 2020: Who’s Number One?
PrepHoops Oregon has been working hard at updating the player rankings and the Class of 2020 update will be posted soon. A big thing we looked at was this – who is the #1 player in the class? There are…
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Continue ReadingPrepHoops Oregon has been working hard at updating the player rankings and the Class of 2020 update will be posted soon. A big thing we looked at was this – who is the #1 player in the class? There are several candidates and we thought it would be prudent to take a look at the top five and what they bring to the table as a potential top-ranked player in the group.
(Please note – the “flip side” is not meant to “hate” but rather point out why the player might not be ranked the #1 player in the class. At this stage all players need to improve on their games, and the areas pointed out are ones where coaches and evaluators have indicated these young men could work on.)
Let’s look at each of the top candidates alphabetically by last name.
The case for… Isaiah Amato, Central Catholic
Previous Rank: #7
At this point there’s only one player in the Class of 2020 that has multiple Division I offers and that’s Amato. The 6-foot-4 guard earned an offer from Eastern Washington early and recently added on Pacific. Amato is athletic and skilled as a big guard and college programs see potential in his development.
On the flip side, is Amato enough of an alpha dog? He’s largely played a complimentary role on a very talented Central Catholic team and it was similar this past summer with the ML20 Enforcers. He’s sometimes reticent on offense and his outside shot still needs more consistency.
The case for… Micah Garrett, West Linn
Previous Rank: #1
Ever since we could remember, Garrett has ranked at the top of his class. His combination of athleticism, skill, and production has always made the 6-foot-3 wing a top college prospect. Garrett has always been able to get to the basket and finish but he’s made vast improvements on his perimeter shooting, both on the catch-and-shoot and the pull-up.
On the flip side, he had a shortened junior campaign due to injury and other issues and while he did run with an EYBL team in Seattle Rotary that made the Peach Jam, his overall playing time was sporadic. Division I schools continue to track him but other than an early offer made by Jackson State last year, he holds no other scholarship offers.
The case for… Brian Goracke, Churchill
Previous Rank: #5
A transfer up from 2A Monroe, Goracke had no trouble fitting in at Churchill as a junior and was an immediate starter on the Lancers squad that reached the 5A title game. A great athlete, the 6-foot-5 wing/forward can get up with the best of them and he’s already picked up two high-level West Coast Division II offers in Point Loma Nazarene and Western Oregon.
On the flip side, while he’s vastly improved his perimeter game his outside shooting and ability to create off the dribble are still in progress. He self-admits that consistency can be an issue as there are some games when he puts up big-time numbers and other games when he barely registers anything significant.
The case for… Kaelan O’Neil, Churchill
Previous Rank: #3
Of most note is the fact that O’Neil is the only player in the Class of 2020 who has verbally committed to a Division I school as he accepted the Eagles scholarship offer in June. The 6-foot-4 wing is one of the most aggressive offensive players in the state at any age and with length and athleticism, looks to dunk the ball whenever he gets the chance.
On the flip side, O’Neil is still inconsistent as an outside shooter and as aggressive a player as he is, he is prone to foul trouble and is still learning to keep his emotions under control on the court. Eastern Washington was also his only scholarship offer at any level.
The case for… Dakota Reber, Wilsonville
Previous Rank: #4
Reber is one of the best athletes in the class as he can run and jump with the best of them. He’s capable of scoring both inside and out, with the latter something he’s made vast improvements in over the past couple of years. The 6-foot-6 forward has already picked up plenty of GNAC interest with offers from Western Oregon and Concordia, and Colorado Christian has also offered.
On the flip side, the key question with Reber has been about motor. He’ll blow by someone for a vicious dunk or make an impressive recovery for a weak-side block, but other times it almost seems like he disappears on the floor. He’s also never really been the #1 guy on the team – even last year’s Player of the Year honor was shared with Jack Roche.
The case for… Jesse White, Barlow
Previous Rank: #2
After a breakout sophomore campaign where he helped lead Barlow to the state tournament, White had a banner junior year where he was one of the top scorers in the state. The 6-foot guard is one of the most dangerous offensive players in the state and can explode at any given moment, especially from three-point range. He’s already earned a scholarship offer from Western Oregon.
On the flip side, White is a bit of a volume shooter and when it’s not falling for him, the question is does he bring anything else to the table. He also seems to need the ball in his hands to be most effective. While he’s been working hard on improving his athleticism and quickness, he still has some catching up to do to in order to compete defensively against elite athletes.
Who will be the top ranked player in the PrepHoops Oregon Class of 2020 rankings? Stay tuned!