2022 Rankings: The Top Five
The brand new Class of 2022 rankings have been released and when it came to determining the Top Five, we used several factors including what they might have already accomplished as a freshman, how they performed this summer in AAU…
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Continue ReadingThe brand new Class of 2022 rankings have been released and when it came to determining the Top Five, we used several factors including what they might have already accomplished as a freshman, how they performed this summer in AAU basketball and camps, and what their projected college potential currently is. What that all in mind, here’s how we broke it down.
1) Lamar Washington (2022 Jefferson)
Washington lands the top spot in our initial Class of 2022 rankings for a number of reasons, but the main one came down to the fact he was the freshman that played and produced the most last season at the varsity level in 2018-19 – and he did so for one of the top teams in the state. The 6-foot-3 swingman is a talented offensive player who is one of the top perimeter shooters in the state but can also create off the dribble and use his body to finish down low. The big question may be will he stick with basketball or will football become his college future – as a middle linebacker on the gridiron he’s already obtained a Division I football scholarship offer from Utah State.
2) Mason VanBeenen (2022 West Linn)
Coming in at number two is VanBeenen who as a basketball-only prospect, may have the most potential out of anyone in the class. At 6-foot-9 and possibly still growing, he has size and length already but it’s VanBeenen’s skill level that is most impressive. In addition to good footwork in the post, he can step out and shoot it as well as create off of the dribble and finish. VanBeenen was extremely impressive at the PrepHoops Oregon Top 250 Expo where he certainly caught the eye of the numerous college coaches in attendance. Once seemingly scared to go up against older players, he more than held his own and he should make an impact for a high-ranked West Linn team this season.
3) Trejon Williams (2022 Jefferson)
Like teammate Washington, Williams got significant minutes for Jefferson last season and that was a big factor how the aggressive point guard got into the top five. The 5-foot-11 sophomore missed a chunk of the early part of the year due to a concussion but when he was cleared to play, he made an impact for the Demos. Williams can get to the basket almost at will and is able to use his strength to finish inside. Defensively, he’s tough and while his jumpshot still needs work, it’s been coming along. Similar to Washington, the big question will be how football plays into the mix – something that may be an even bigger factor with Williams as he’s already garnered multiple D-I offers.
4) Dallon Morgan (2022 Sprague)
When it comes to upside, Morgan has plenty of it. At 6-foot-9 and projected to be seven feet tall, the sophomore definitely has size on his side but he’s more than just height. Morgan has some nice skills as he can step away from the basket and knock down shots out to three-point range. He already contributed off the bench for Sprague as a freshman and is primed to be the key guy inside in 2019-20. Morgan was impressive in June ball and should already be on the radar of college programs up to the Division I level.
5) Samarje Morgan (2022 Churchill)
Out of the Top Five, the only guy who played up at the 17U level this spring and summer was Morgan, who ran with Elite 24/Cascadia Hoops on the adidas Silver circuit. By all accounts, the 5-foot-7 point guard held his own against bigger and older guys, using his quickness and craftiness around the hoop to be effective. Obviously his size will likely always be questioned but Morgan has great skill and heart to be a future college player. He will undoubtedly be a big part of Churchill’s success this season as they chase a 5A state title.