Signing Day Recap
Wednesday was the first day of the early signing period for National Letters of Intent and a number of seniors across the state put pen to paper to secure their futures at the college level. Here’s a look at those who took that step today.
The lone NCAA Division I signee this fall appears to be Kaelan O’Neil from Churchill who inked with Eastern Washington. The 6-foot-5 wing held an offer from the Eagles since his junior season and decided to commit to head coach Shantay Legens this past summer. Despite the early commitment, O’Neil continued to exhibit his competitiveness by participating in a number of showcases this fall, including the PrepHoops Top 250 Expo and the Prime Time Top 40. He plans on taking his official visit to Cheney this season as he tries to help the Lancers capture the 5A title.
Kaelan O’Neil signs National Letter of Intent with Eastern Washington University. pic.twitter.com/0cyMAOeRxn
— Bruce O'Neil (@LaoBu) November 14, 2019
A number of seniors currently hold offers from schools at the NCAA Division II level but only one has committed so far in Payton Richardson. The 6-foot-3 wing from Western Christian will be heading to Seattle Pacific after making a verbal commitment this week after determining that the program best fit him both on and off the basketball floor. The returning 2A state co-Player of the Year will now focus on trying to help the Pioneers repeat as 2A state champs.
Breaking News : Payton Richardson (2020 Western Christian) has verbally committed to and will sign with @SPU_Basketball. More details to come! pic.twitter.com/4FMfpV9VYR
— Prep Hoops Oregon (@PrepHoopsOR) November 13, 2019
A few Class of 2020 prospects decided to go ahead and make the early decision to head to the NAIA level (which permits signings prior to today). Silas Bennion was the first as the Churchill senior point guard decided to head out-of-state to Lewis-Clark State in Idaho. The 5-foot-9 point guard made his decision not long after making his official visit to campus and continues what’s been a pipeline from Oregon to the Warriors program.
https://twitter.com/silas_bennion/status/1184627284013015040?s=20
Also inking but staying in-state is Jamison Guerra. The tough 5-foot-9 point guard has been busy with football at Sherwood but took the time out this fall to sort out his college recruitment, making a commitment to sign with OIT not long after making an official visit to the Klamath Falls campus. Also accepting an offer to play for the Hustlin’ Owls is Jalen Lampman from 2A Lakeview High School. The under-the-radar 6-foot-1 guard is reportedly a marksman from the perimeter.
Signed, sealed, delivered: @TheJGuerra of @SherwoodBBX to @OITMBB pic.twitter.com/4t0lk9eZeT
— Prep Hoops Oregon (@PrepHoopsOR) November 13, 2019
A fourth NAIA signee this fall is Grant Dunn, who signed with Multnomah at Silverton High School earlier today. The 6-foot-6 wing quietly committed to the Lions this fall and is one of the top three-point shooters in the state. His shooting ability should fit right in with what Multnomah does on the basketball floor.
Awesome day for our Basketball program! @goMUlions https://t.co/FgNkvWsN3l pic.twitter.com/GGB7VFEnZQ
— Curt Bickley (@CurtBickley) November 13, 2019
A whole host of seniors currently hold college offers at all levels in the state of Oregon and will be making their decisions on their college destinations over the next few months. Stay tuned to PrepHoops Oregon as we will be there to bring you all of the latest news on their college recruitments.
Congratulations to all those who have signed so far this fall, it’s a reward for all the hard work both on and off the court!