#PHTop250 Top Big Men
The PrepHoops Oregon Top 250 Expo showcased much of the state’s talent on Sunday and while the strength lay in the guards and wings, it was nice to see a good group of big men that came to compete. Here’s…
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Continue ReadingThe PrepHoops Oregon Top 250 Expo showcased much of the state’s talent on Sunday and while the strength lay in the guards and wings, it was nice to see a good group of big men that came to compete. Here’s a look at the top big men in attendance at the event.
Mason VanBeenen (2022 West Linn) – VanBeenen was arguably the best big in attendance although you could argue he didn’t really play like a big. The 6-foot-9 sophomore spent most of this time on the perimeter in the action that we saw, hitting some jumpers but mainly looking to attack the basket where he finished with authority. This might have been one of the first times we’ve seen VanBeenen really play with aggression and confidence – especially against older players. There’s no question his play caught the eye of college coaches in attendance. We caught up with him to chat about his summer and development and will have a Player Spotlight posted soon.
Dane Erikstrup (2021 Beaverton) – Erikstrup is coming off a back injury suffered this summer but he really didn’t show much ill effects in what we saw of him at the event. Now listed at 6-foot-9, he was effective down low, finishing plays around the hoop with a nice soft touch. Erikstrup was tough on the glass, especially on the defensive end, and threw a couple of impressive outlet passes up court to sprinting guards for easy buckets.
Joe Juhala (2020 West Linn) – We didn’t get to see Juhala as much this time around but from what we did see he was playing some inspired basketball. The 6-foot-7 senior had his outside shot going both from beyond the arc and in mid-range and he was aggressively attacking the rim as always. With his size, athleticisma, and good academic resume it’s a bit of a mystery why there haven’t been any offers yet – but that should change soon.
Aidan Clark (2020 South Eugene) – Clark is another big who lacks offers but things should change soon. The 6-foot-9 senior runs the floor extremely well which allowed him to be in position to receive passes for some trailer slams. He was active on the boards and as usual a major factor blocking and altering shots in the paint. In the half-court he settled a bit for jumpers and fade-aways but showed off a good shooting touch.
Tucker Pellicci (2020 Franklin) – The Expo was another opportunity for growth for Pellicci as he continues to develop as an effective post player. The 6-foot-11 senior worked hard to get position down low and if he wasn’t able to hit his first shot, was often in position to get the offensive rebound and put it back in. Pellicci was solid on the boards and ran the floor fairly well and he continues to have the attention of D3 and NAIA schools.
Koby Williamson (2020 Santiam Christian) – Williamson did what he does well – provide solid size underneath on the defensive end and utilize his soft shooting touch from the perimeter on the offensive side of the ball. As noted in our Top Shooters piece, he had the top shot out of any of the big guys in attendance and his ability in that area makes him a coveted college prospect as a potential stretch four.
Andrew Ingalls (2020 Mountainside) – Ingalls was one of the top rebounders in 6A last season and he certainly didn’t disappoint in that area at the Expo. The 6-foot-7 senior was a factor on the boards and fought hard on both ends. Ingalls struggled a bit to finish underneath but showed some range on his shot, stepping back and hitting some jumpers.
Blake Jensen (2020 Sherwood) – We only got a brief glimpse of Jensen, but from what we saw he was performing as he has been all summer – very active in the paint, using the dribble to create when needed, and finishing well at the hoop. His development curve continues to be at a high level.
Justin Hamilton (2021 Crescent Valley) – Hamilton has solid size at 6-foot-6 and knows what his role is – do the dirty work like fight hard for rebounds, set screens, and play solid position D. The junior really didn’t look to shoot the basketball but when he had the opportunity he flashed a decent lefty touch. There are always spots for glue guy big men and right now that’s exactly what Hamilton is.