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.
More Oregon high school sports
-
La Salle Prep tennis champion Kennedy Harris commits to Portland
-
Central Catholic receiver Landon Kelsey announces college commitment
-
Former West Linn star Mark Hamper commits to Wisconsin after transferring out of Idaho
Senior Dylan Scott of North Medford
Scott is a very skilled point guard, said Plankenhorn, who can both create for himself as well as pass the ball at a high level for the Black Tornado. 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
Sheley s ready for a big senior season after focusing his efforts in the offseason, said coach Brian Brancato, on becoming an effective scoring threat from all over the floor. Brancato added that he is arguably the team s best on-ball defender.
Rocco Graziano, senior, Sheldon
Graziano, who is also a standout for the Irish football team, has been a varsity player all four seasons of his career. Tasked with encapsulating his impact, Brancato simply said the guard has the ability to take over a game on both ends of the floor.
Calvin Yoder, junior, South Eugene
Yoder brings offensive versatility to the Axe. The forward can create from most locations on the court and has the added skill of creating for others at his size and position, said coach Solomon Harris.
Levi Hawes, senior, South Eugene
Hawse is the Axe s lone returning starter from a team that found great success last winter. Levi has athleticism that makes him an explosive player and our strongest defender, Harris said of the lead guard.
Cameron Perry, junior, South Eugene
The Axe might need a big season from Perry if they hope to play a big role in the conference hierarchy this season under Harris. The forward, to this point, has been known for his shooting touch from all distances.
Jed Johnson, junior, South Medford
The Panthers have been guided by elite guard play in each of the last two seasons. Johnson, a wing, is one of the top returners this season and could serve to create more balance across the roster after a nice role last season.
Cole Adee, senior, South Medford
Adee landed on the all-league honorable mention list last season. With the Southwest Player of the Year, point guard Jackson Weiland, graduated as well as guard Ty Dahlin, the Panthers have a huge void at guard waiting to be filled with players such as Adee.
Jacob Hall, senior, Willamette
A three-year varsity player with experience running the point guard spot, Hall is the most recognizable face for the Wolverines. Jacob s ability to get to the rim and use his strength makes him a tough guard, coach Jake O Connor said.
Berkley Grandberry, junior, Willamette
Grandberry identifies as a power forward for the Wolverines. Entering his second season as a varsity starter, the junior s improvement inside and outside during the offseason will help him shine on the floor this year, O Connor said.
Tony Cumberland, junior, Willamette
Cumberland is known best for his standing as an elite edge rusher on the football field and his commitment to the Oregon football program. A transfer from Desert Mountain (Arizona), he came out for basketball too, and should give the Wolverines some size and juice down low.
Subscribe to the High School Sports+ newsletter
Sign up hereto get exclusive news and insights from high school sports editor Nik Streng.
Note: Every piece of content is rigorously reviewed by our team of experienced writers and editors to ensure its accuracy. Our writers use credible sources and adhere to strict fact-checking protocols to verify all claims and data before publication. If an error is identified, we promptly correct it and strive for transparency in all updates, feel free to reach out to us via email. We appreciate your trust and support!