Oregon’s best high school boys basketball players: Meet the top stars in the 6A Metro League (Part 2)
By Bob Lundeberg
Over the next two weeks, we'll be taking a conference-by-conference look at some of the state's top high school basketball players. Here's Part 2 of the Metro boys list. (See Part 1 here.)
Every league has numerous standout players, and these lists are not intended to be comprehensive. Let us know which other players you think should be added to the list.
Westview Wildcats photo by Taylor Balkom
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Southridge
W/P Layne Stricker, sr., 6-7
Stricker had a strong junior season on varsity and is performing at an even higher level as a senior. The multidimensional 6-foot-7 big man is averaging 16 points and seven rebounds per game for the Skyhawks. “Layne is a wing/post player for us … who is shooting 40 percent from the three-point line,” head coach Phil Vesel said.
G Carter Fortune, so., 6-2
Fortune got his feet wet at the varsity level during the spring season and is now one of the Skyhawks’ best two-way players. The 6-foot-2 ball-handler is doing a little of everything with averages of 14 points, four rebounds, five assists and three steals per game. “Carter is a three-level scorer and a great passer,” Vesel said.
G Kaden Groenig, so., 5-9
Another impact sophomore for Southridge, Groenig is already a strong scorer and passer. He is putting up 13 points, four assists and 2.5 steals per game. “Kaden is a great three-point shooter with range,” Vesel said. “He is also a great finisher around the rim.”
Sunset
G Jalen Childs, jr., 6-3
One of the most prolific scorers in the state, Childs is an explosive guard who is averaging 17 points, six rebounds, three assists and 2.5 steals per game as a junior. The 6-foot-3 guard is receiving interest from multiple schools, including Idaho State and Portland State. “Jalen is an explosively athletic combo guard,” head coach David Saultz said. “He is a very versatile player who does a lot of things well. He is a very good defender who always guards the opposing team’s best perimeter player.”
G Josh Jackson, sr., 6-3
The 6-foot-3 Jackson is arguably the best pure shooter in the state. He led Class 6A in three-point percentage (55 percent) a season ago and has become a more well-rounded player as a senior. “Josh has worked really hard to improve his body and his athleticism,” Saultz said. “He has offers to play at the NAIA and junior-college levels.”
F Kayin Turner, so., 6-4
Turner is a sophomore who played his way into Sunset’s starting lineup. Saultz said Turner has a very bright future on the court. “He is a skilled young player who is a versatile inside and outside player for us,” Saultz added.
Westview
P Alex Clement, sr., 6-7
Clement is an imposing senior post who can rack up points and rebounds. “Alex has soft touch and he is a physical defender and rebounder,” head coach Michael Wolf said.
P Kohl Sinai, sr., 6-9
Even bigger is Sinai, a 6-foot-9 senior post with great mobility. Sinai had 16 rebounds in a January loss against West Linn. “He is a great runner and rebounder who already has had two 15-plus rebound games,” Wolf said in mid-January.
W Keshav Anand, sr., 6-4
Anand is a four-year varsity player who can light it up from long distance. The 6-foot-4 senior is one of several Wildcats who has missed time due to COVID-19 protocols. “Keshav is shooting 40 percent from three on the season,” Wolf said.
G Marchon Marshall, jr., 5-10
A junior point guard, Marshall has impressed Wolf with his ability to distribute the basketball. “He has excellent vision,” Wolf said. “Marchon will be a top player in the league for the next two years.”
W Amare Rolle, jr., 6-3
Rolle is another promising junior who netted a team-high 23 points in a recent competitive loss to Lake Oswego. “He has been our leading scorer the last five games,” Wolf said following Westview’s loss to Beaverton in which the Wildcats only had one available varsity regular. “Amare has great length and shooting ability off the catch.”
