First July Live Evaluation Period: How They Did
The state’s top AAU teams and players were in action this past weekend as the July live evaluation periods have gotten started. Here’s a quick recap of how the top teams and players did.
While not playing on an Oregon AAU team, Oregonians Marcus Tsohonis (2019 Jefferson HS) and Jaden Nielsen-Skinner (2019 South Salem HS) were in action with Seattle Rotary at the prestigious Peach Jam, helping the team finish with a 2-3 record. Tsohonis averaged 10.6 ppg, 2.8 rpg, and 2.6 apg in the five games and earned scholarship offers from Arizona State and Washington State after a standout performance against the Houston Hoops. Nielsen-Skinner contributed off the bench, averaging 2.0 ppg and 1.0 apg, hitting 3-for-4 from three-point range.
At the Peach Invitational Tournament in Augusta, the Rose City Rebels won their first game in the 17U Division, a thrilling come-from-behind victory, but unfortunately dropped their first two games of pool play and then their first game in bracket play. Jorell Saterfield actually led the team in scoring and rebounding at 20 ppg and 5.8 rpg, with a huge game of 24 points and 12 rebounds against Mac Irvin Fire. Aaron Deloney (2019 Grant HS) averaged 15.8 ppg and 4.5 apg, with a high of 28 points in the team’s win over Team Melo. Alex Schumacher (2019 Skyview HS) averaged 13.25 ppg, Ty Rankin (2019 Grant HS) averaged 7.8 ppg and 5.3 rpg, and SataieVior Ayilola (2019 Central Catholic HS) averaged 7.0 ppg and 5.8 rpg. College coaches were on hand for all of the Rebels games, most notably Oregon State and Portland State.
Nike Team Northwest struggled at first in the 16U Division, dropping their two games in pool play (they earned the sole victory due to forfeit). However they found some momentum in bracket play, reaching the Elite Eight before bowing out to All Ohio Red, 84-74. PrepHoops Oregon’s #1 ranked player in the Class of 2020, Micah Garrett (2020 West Linn HS), unfortunately missed the second day’s action due to a deep bruise in his quad, but others were able to step up in his absence.
Several teams played at the Double Pump Summer Tip-Off in Anaheim, the most successful of which was Team Flight, who won the 17U Gold Division championship. Jay Elmore (2019 Kimball Union Prep/2018 South Eugene HS) and Dominic McGarvey (2019 Sheldon HS) were the standouts for Team Flight all weekend. Team Fly Williams had a solid tournament, winning their pool and one game in the Open Division bracket. Other teams who fared fairly well were Team Fly White (2-2 record) and Oregon Basketball Club Gold (2-2).
The tournament where the state had the most representation was the Premier Summer Showcase in Bellevue, Washington. The team that had the most success was Nike Team Northwest – Team Swoosh, which despite dropping their first two games in pool play, ran off six straight victories to capture the 17U “C” Bracket Championship. Cobee Crawford (2020 Benson HS) was the star of the title game while Riley Nichol (2019 Stayton HS) was impressive all tournament. Nike Team Northwest – Team Swoosh also had success at the 15U level, capturing the 15U “D” Bracket. Of the other teams in attendance, of note in the 17U Division were Team Jones Oregon (Hedgecock) (2-2 record), Nike Team Northwest – Team Knight (2-2), and Dribble Drive ELITE (2-2).
Finally, a few teams participated in showcases. At the NorCal Summer Tip-Off in Livermore, California, Hoop Salem’s 16U squad led the way running off a sterling 4-0 record, winning all of their games by double digits. Mason Lomax (2020 Sprague HS) helped lead the way for the team. Hoop Salem’s High Academic squad finished 3-2 and International Elite 16U finished 2-2, whereas the Hoop 17U team – notably missing their top player in “Skinny” – finished 1-3. At the West Coast Elite Summer Kick-Off, Team Fly 16U won three and lost three in that showcase.
This weekend, most of Oregon’s AAU programs will be at Premier Summer Championship in Salem. Be sure to check in as PrepHoops Oregon will have full coverage end-to-end from the event.