Recruiting Update: Ben Gregg (2021 Clackamas HS)
He may have come into the tournament banged up, but Ben Gregg was not going to let anything stop him. The versatile 6-foot-8, 190-pound junior gave it all for Clackamas over the holidays at the Les Schwab Invitational and he…
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Continue ReadingHe may have come into the tournament banged up, but Ben Gregg was not going to let anything stop him. The versatile 6-foot-8, 190-pound junior gave it all for Clackamas over the holidays at the Les Schwab Invitational and he certainly made an impression. Gregg helped lead the Cavs to the consolation bracket title, earning All-Tournament honors while doing it all in front of the many college coaches that continue to try and secure his services at the next level.
“It’s one of the best tournaments in the country so you’re not going to get an easy game,” Gregg said. “I felt that we could play with anybody. The first game didn’t go the way we wanted but we bounced back and won three games in a row, which shows that we have resiliency and are not going to give up.”
After losing their first game to Crater in a much-ballyhooed matchup against fellow Class of 2021 standout Nate Bittle, Clackamas rebounded with wins over Battle Ground, Wilsonville, and West Linn. Gregg certainly shined, averaging 26.8 points and 7.5 rebounds, ranking among the tournament leaders in both categories. But the junior didn’t do things all by himself as he certainly entrusted his teammates – as reflected by his 4.0 assists per game in the four contests played.
“It’s a whole team effort for sure,” Gregg said. “All of our guys, one through ten, can play. And a big shout out to our bench – they gave us great energy. All of our guys, together we’re a family and I think that shows a lot.”
College coaches were on the sidelines for the LSI and Division I coaches could start attending on the second day of competition. Oregon State in particular was front and center as head coach Wayne Tinkle and assistant Kerry Rupp sat courtside at halfcourt for all three of Gregg’s games that they could watch. Later on, Oregon head coach Dana Altman arrived as well as others.
“I saw that they were there but you’ve got to block all that out and just play your game,” Gregg said. “It’s cool that they’re all there and they’re going to be watching me as that’s been a dream of mine, but I’ve just got to play my game.”
Gregg noted that relative newcomer to his recruitment Colorado was there to watch him play and he continues to have daily contact with Gonzaga via text message (assistant coach Tommy Lloyd was in attendance at the event). With no official visits currently planned in the near future, his focus is on the rest of the year – one in which Clackamas hopes to continue their winning ways at Mt. Hood Conference play is around the corner.
“We’re at an all-time high right now and our confidence is through the roof,” Gregg said. “Our end goal is the state tournament and to go far there, so we’ve got to keep on getting better and better every game.”
Gregg currently ranks as the #2 player in the PrepHoops Oregon Class of 2021 rankings.