Rainier Beach (WA) vs. West Linn (OR): 5 Takeaways
On Monday at the MLK Invitational, Rainier Beach (WA) had as many dunks (six) as West Linn had assists. The result was a lopsided game and a 83-53 runaway victory at Lewis & Clark for Rainier Beach, a Seattle powerhouse. Here’s what stood out:
(Pictured: #4 Kevin Porter Jr. was phenomenal.)
A windmill a game…
Rainier Beach’s Kevin Porter Jr., a USC commit and the No. 4 shooting guard in the Class of 2018 according to 247, was unequivocally the highlight of the game. The 6-foot-5 lefty scored 31 points on 13 of 17 shooting, including 3 of 5 from deep, and added 6 rebounds. He dunked four times, including one dunk-contest-esque right-handed windmill. “I’ve been trying to average a windmill every game, so whenever I have the opportunity, I try to do it,” he said. He says that this season he’s performed the speciality slam in every game but two.
Cold, cold shooting
A year ago, the MLK Invitational was sparsely attended due to cold, snowy weather. But this year’s event went off without a hitch; it was a beautiful day outside. West Linn brought the cold, however, as they shot 1-of-19 from three-point land. Jalen Thompson, one of their best shooters, was the biggest offender as he finished 0-of-5 from deep. He did, however, shoot 4 of 4 from the charity stripe and finished with 8 points. A typically reliable shooter and a great perimeter defender, Thompson figures to be a Division II-level guy.
I guess that’s why they call him Tre(y)
Rainier Beach’s Tre Anderson, a transfer from Lincoln High School in Tacoma, shot 4 of 6 from deep for 16 points to go with 6 assists. The point guard, who has scholarship offers from Montana and Portland State, thought his team could’ve played better defense, however. “I feel like we let them score too many points,” he said.
Super sophomores
West Linn’s Bryson Crockett and Micah Garrett, two of the top players in the Oregon class of 2020, made some plays, but weren’t especially impressive. They’re good, though. Crockett finished with 7 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 block and 2 steals, while Garrett scored 5 points, but turned it over 3 times. It wasn’t their best game, but it was an off night for WL. Expect to hear more of this talented duo.
Dominant Dawkins
Rainier Beach doesn’t have that much size, so Kevin Porter guarded West Linn post Keishon Dawkins. An Oregon State football commit, Dawkins shot 8 of 11 from inside the arc (0 of 2 from three) for 16 points and five rebounds. A 6-foot-7 lefty, he’s too powerful for 99 percent of high school players to defend.
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