The Oregonian/OregonLive examined the boys basketball teams in the Southwest Conference in great detail last week.
It’s time to examine each of the district’s top players in greater detail this winter.
Senior Peyton Bruner of Grants Pass
As a slasher, Bruner, a senior who has played for some of the top AAU teams in the Pacific Northwest, gives the Cavemen explosive play. Joel Jessee stated that he ought to have a chance to win our league’s player of the year award.
Senior Zac DeChenne of Grants Pass
Although DeChenne plays point guard, his strength has been defense at the point of attack throughout his varsity career. He will be a key member of a Grants Pass squad that hopes to win the Southwest Conference.
Junior Grady McKitrick of Grants Pass
The impact that Mckitrick had on the program is well-defined. He has worked extremely hard since the end of his sophomore season, according to Jessee, who also referred to him as the team’s greatest shooter.
Jordan Rossetta, Grants Pass sophomore
By giving the Cavemen an internal presence that is otherwise lacking, Rossetta strikes a balance. According to Jessee, he should be a formidable opponent at center this season. Rossetta can score goals, but despite his stature, he has the ability to dribble and pass well.
Senior Easton Curtis of North Medford
Last season, Curtis shot 39% from outside the arc and averaged 7.1 points per game. According to coach Scott Plankenhorn, the guard is one of the team’s best returners and can shoot at a good percentage while getting to the rim. He is a fierce competitor who just finished an incredible football season.
Junior Traeger Healy of North Medford
During his sophomore season with the Black Tornado, Healy averaged 5.4 points and 4.2 rebounds. Healy should be one of our best rebounders on both sides of the court and a fantastic shooter who can take it inside, according to Plankenhorn.
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Oregon high school girls basketball players to watch in the Southwest Conference
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Oregon high school girls basketball players to watch in the Central Valley Conference
Senior Dylan Scott of North Medford
According to Plankenhorn, Scott is an extremely talented point guard who can distribute the ball for the Black Tornado and create for himself. He should score more points this season than he did last season, when he averaged 4.3 points per game.
North Medford sophomore Liam Rea
Rea gives North Medford a welcome boost of size despite his youth. The 6-foot-4 wing is a great slasher who can provide a lot of pressure to the rim, but he can shoot it well enough that you have to respect it.
Senior Eli Forsha of Sheldon
Forsha is a state champion triple jumper and a returning member of the all-conference second team. The wing uses his leaping around the rim as a finisher on the hardwood, demonstrating that athleticism.
Senior Nathan Sheley of Sheldon
Coach Brian Brancato stated that Sheley is prepared for a successful senior season after concentrating his offseason efforts on developing into a potent scoring threat from all over the court. He is possibly the team’s finest on-ball defender, Brancato continued.
Senior Rocco Graziano of Sheldon
Graziano has played varsity football all four seasons of his tenure and is a standout for the Irish football team. When asked to sum up his impact, Brancato only stated that the guard can dominate a game on both sides of the court.
Junior Calvin Yoder of South Eugene
Yoder gives the Axe attacking versatility. According to coach Solomon Harris, the forward can create from most spots on the court and also has the ability to create for players his height and position.
Senior Levi Hawes of South Eugene
Hawse is the only returning starter for the Axe, who had a successful season the previous winter. Harris remarked of the lead guard, “Levi’s athleticism makes him an explosive player and our strongest defender.”
Junior Cameron Perry of South Eugene
If the Axe want to have a significant impact on the conference hierarchy this season under Harris, Perry may need to have a strong season. Up until now, the forward has been renowned for his ability to shoot from a variety of distances.
Junior Jed Johnson of South Medford
For the past two seasons, the Panthers have been led by guard play at the highest level. After playing well last season, Johnson, a wing, is among the best returners this season and might help provide more balance to the roster.
Senior Cole Adee of South Medford
Last season, Adee made the all-league honorable mention list. The Panthers have a major hole at guard that needs to be addressed with players like Adee after guard Ty Dahlin and point guard Jackson Weiland, the Southwest Player of the Year, graduated.
Senior Jacob Hall of Willamette
The Wolverines’ most identifiable face is Hall, a three-year varsity player with experience playing point guard. Jacob is a tough guard because he can go to the hoop and use his strength, according to coach Jake O’Connor.
Willamette Berkley Grandberry, Jr.
Grandberry considers himself a Wolverines power forward. The junior’s offseason physical and mental development will help him perform well on the court this season as he begins his second season as a varsity starter, according to O’Connor.
Willamette and Tony Cumberland, junior
Cumberland is most recognized for his dedication to the Oregon football program and his status as one of the game’s top edge rushers. He came out for basketball as well and is a transfer from Desert Mountain (Arizona), so he should add some size and energy to the Wolverines.
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