Grassroots Update: Active PCH Leaders 17U
Active PCH is a relatively new program in Oregon, but coach and founder Corleone Ashton is excited about how things have progressed the past three years. His 17U team is filled with players from the classes of 2018 and 2019 from Portland and the Oregon Coast and has played well this spring in tournaments in Las Vegas, Anaheim, and Florida. They will be in the Rose City Showcase this weekend and open the tournament against the Rose City Rebels.
Here’s a breakdown of the current roster:
Oreon Courtney (2019 West Linn HS) – Courtney has been with the program since it started and is their cornerstone player. A tremendous athlete, Courtney finishes plays above the rim and is active on both sides of the floor. He is still working on improving his overall skill level and recently transferred to West Linn from West Albany.
Leyson Farmer (2018 Parkrose HS) – Farmer is the team’s top shooter, hitting three-to-four threes a game. At 6-foot-5, he rebounds well and according to Ashton, has received offers from Blue Mountain CC and Portland CC.
Darnel Jones (2018 Parkrose HS) – Jones, at 6-foot-3, is a combo guard who can shoot the ball as well as get to the basket. He’s the type of player who simply makes his teammates better. Lewis and Clark has shown interst.
Jordan Hill (2018 Madison HS) – Hill is a tough defender and even at 6-foot-1, will take on the other team’s best player on defense. Ashton considers him the Bruce Bowen/Raja Bell type of scrappy defender every team needs. Linn-Benton has shown interest.
Davion Finney (2018 David Douglas HS) – Finney actually didn’t play at David Douglas this past season and Ashton believes it’s because of his 5-foot-4 height. But Finney is incredibly quick and athletic and has blazing speed pushing the ball up the floor. In a recent tournament in Florida, he actually led the team in scoring at over 22 points a game.
Justin Plechaty (2019 Newport HS) – Plechaty is one of the cornerstones of the program as one of Ashton’s first players. At 6-foot-4, he has good size for a shooting guard and his athleticism is underrated. He has a good feel for the game and once the top scorer for the team, has adjusted to other talented players around him.
Ray Darrington (2019 Nestucca HS) – Darrington is a long 6-foot-10 big man who runs the floor well, blocks shots, and finishes plays at the rim. Apparently still growing he’s a continued work in progress but according to Ashton, has a ton of potential.
Preston Heede (2019 Crescent Valley HS) – Heede has helped provide muscle inside with his 6-foot-5 athletic frame. He’s been tough on the boards and on defense. He also has a decent face-up jumper.