Tournament Wrap Up: Hilhi Shootout
We spent the second weekend of the summer out in Hillsboro watching the Hilhi Shootout, which featured a mix of teams from 2A-6A size schools. A ton of players with the potential to be very good small college players were on display for their high school teams. We took a look at some of those guys:
Ian Collett (2018/Tillamook HS)
Undersized point guard who impresses us every time we see him. Great feel for the game and can really score who has a real knack for changing speeds and keeping defenders off balance. Must continue to prove that he can defend bigger and stronger players.
Tyler Sumner (2018/Sunset HS)
Another smaller point guard who does a nice job running the team. There is a noticeable difference in Sunset’s tempo and offensive efficiency with him on the floor. Ability to handle it with either hand, uses change of pace to keep defenders off balance. Sumner also showed off the ability to shoot the ball effectively to the three point line.
Josh Walkenhorst (2017/Century HS)
An unknown commodity after spending most of the past season playing on the jv team behind a varsity roster deep with seniors. Walkenhorst is easy to spot when his 6’10 frame walks in the door. He impressed with more than his height however, as he displayed an ability to get up and down the floor in transition. Walkenhorst also did a nice job of keeping the ball high and was active on the offensive glass. He must continue to improve his strength and conditioning, but his height, potential, and gpa above 3.8 should have D3 schools throughout the west seeking him out.
Kyle Thompson (2018/Forest Grove HS)
A crafty point guard who will be a three year starter at the 6A level, Thompson’s game was on display in Hillsboro, where he excelled in the pick and roll game and did a nice job of getting into the paint and creating scoring opportunities for teammates. With a gpa above a 3.8, Thompson has the look and game of a player who is going to be a very good D3 performer in the future.
Joey Wagenecht (2018/Scappoose HS)
Wagenecht who has always been a lights out spot up shooter, showcased an expanded game in Hillsboro, even showing the ability to run the point effectively. We also noticed a significant improvement in his quickness and ability to guard on the perimeter. Another student with a great gpa (3.7+), Wagenecht will be a perfect fit for a D3 program who needs immediate help shooting the ball.
Jack Poling (2018/Westview HS)
The 6’8 lefty continues to progress as a player. He demonstrated a shooting touch to 15 feet and soft hands around the basket. Poling must continue to improve his athleticism and ability to guard quicker post players.
Will Reese (2019/Sunset HS)
One of the more intriguing underclassmen in Hillsboro was the 6’7 Reese who spent this past season on the Sunset jv team. While still adjusting to the speed of the varsity game, the long and athletic forward showed flashes of being an impact player in the Metro League. Reese impressed with his ability to run the floor and finish in transition, as well as use his length to protect the basket. Look for Reese to make a big jump in our updated Class of 2019 rankings when they are released in July.