The Oregonian/OregonLive examined the girls 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 Mia Thompson of Grants Pass
After making the all-conference second team the previous season, Thompson has been a starter for the Lady Cavers since her freshman year. She is the “heart and soul” of our club, according to coach Scott Wakefield, who also described her as a versatile player.
Senior Callie Brandes of Grants Pass
Another notable player for the Lady Cavers is Brandes, who is renowned for her skill as a shot blocker. Because of her height and quickness, Wakefield believes the all-conference honorable mention might average four to five blocks each game this season.
Senior Kenzie Kleiner of Grants Pass
With the departure of first team player Brooklyn Wakefield and Southwest Conference Player of the Year Brooke Anderson, Grants Pass lost a great tandem. In order to compensate for the losses, Wakefield said Kleiner, who has shown herself to be an excellent on-ball defender and shooter, would take on a bigger role at guard this season.
Senior Olivia Boger of North Medford
According to recently hired coach Tiani Tunoa, Boger is a fierce competitor. She contributes an aggressive style of defense and is one of the Black Tornado’s best scorers.
Senior Caileigh Raines of North Medford
Raines made the all-conference honorable mention list the previous season after finishing in the top five in the Southwest Conference in terms of scoring. The senior guard was 150 points short of reaching 1,000 points in his career going into the season.
Senior Arlie Aasen of Roseburg
The sole returning starter for Roseburg is Aasen. The forward averaged seven rebounds per game as a junior, leading the club in that category. If the squad wants to bounce back from being last in the Southwest Conference in 2023–24, she will need to have a strong season.
More Oregon high school sports
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Oregon high school boys basketball players to watch in the Central Valley Conference
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Oregon high school girls basketball players to watch in the Central Valley Conference
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Oregon high school boys basketball players to watch in the Three Rivers League
Senior Morgan Raleigh, Sheldon
According to coach Tash O. Brien, Raleigh is a cunning scorer. When she attracts defensive attention, Raleigh, a 2023–24 honorable mention all-conference point guard, always tries to engage her teammates, according to O Brien.
Senior Savannah Schuck of Sheldon
O Brien, who is coaching the Irish program for the first time, has high expectations for Schuck. Regarding the post, he stated, “We want Savannah’s size and strength to be the main focus of our offense.” She physically presents herself on both sides of the court.
Sheldon sophomore Jenna Ayres
When Ayres was a freshman at Churchill, he received honorable mention. She now plays for the Irish and contributes size and guard skills. O Brien stated that he is counting on her athleticism to spearhead the team’s transition offense.
Senior Sara Schmerbach of South Medford
Schmerbach, a returning all-state player and the seasoned captain of the defending state champions, committed to Santa Clara. The senior guard, according to coach Tom Cole, is an excellent leader who excels at both ends of the court.
Junior Mayen Akpan of South Medford
One of the main factors contributing to the Panthers’ 2023–24 state championship was Akpan’s rise on the interior. The returning all-state player, a Division I star with numerous offers, set a new rebounding mark in the state tournament the previous season. She has a strong argument to be the best post player in Class 6A going into this season.
Maddy Warberg, South Medford, senior
Despite being a new Panther, Warberg has experience with the program from her time at Willamette. She is another Santa Clara recruit who transferred this summer and, thanks to her remarkable shooting range, instantly projects as one of the team’s best players, Cole said.
Junior Dylynn Howell of South Medford
Howell is another Division I player from South Medford, although she hasn’t played as much as some of her colleagues yet because of the Panthers’ depth. In the backcourt, she contributes good size and shooting range.
Senior Brynn Smith of Willamette
This season, Smith might be the best player in the conference. Smith, a wing-sized guard who was named to the first team all-conference and second team all-state, will continue her career at the University of Portland. She is one of the team’s best defenders and can score from wherever.
Isabella Harms, Willamette, senior
Harms made the all-state tournament second team and was a wing on the first team. She is really large and has a wide range of skills. Boise State is dedicated to the all-state honorable mention.
Vic Nguyen, Willamette, senior
For a number of years, Nguyen has been playing point guard, assisting this incredibly talented senior class in becoming a title contender. She is selfless, has excellent court vision, and an elite handling. She will continue her career at Western Washington after being named to the all-conference second team.
Diamond Wright, Willamette, senior
Willamette reloaded with the Springfield transfer after Wright after losing Warberg to South Medford. Wright was an all-league first team player, an all-state tournament second team player, and an all-state second team player at the 5A level. She will play for Grand Canyon University the next season and is expected to make an immediate impact forward for the Wolverines.
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