In the latest edition of ‘P.I. Pulse’, Pro Insight’s Michael Visenberg highlights prospects who stood out at the 2023 Hardwood Invite after spending five days courtside in Portland, Oregon:
The third-annual HoopSource Hardwood Invite brought a number of firsts to the December 16-team tournament. 32 games went down at Parkrose High School in Portland, from December 16-20, with this being the first time the event was played in Oregon — and having an Oregonian champion — after the first two were won by Garfield High School (WA).
The Hardwood Invite featured seven teams from Oregon (Canby, La Salle, Oregon City, host Parkrose, Roosevelt, South Medford and Tigard), six teams from Washington (Camas, Davis, Eastside Catholic, Prosser, and Skyview), along with three non-Pacific Northwest teams in Rancho Solano (AZ), Smoky Hill (CO), and Southridge (FL). Smoky Hill claimed third place over a shorthanded South Medford, with a resounding 78-45 win and Davis claimed fifth place over Camas, 75-59. Rancho Solano, led by senior guards Jake Miller and Sagith Vargas, won the consolation bracket with a 57-54 victory over Annie Wright.
The two teams that stood out the most throughout the week met in the championship game, with two nationally-ranked players leading the way for Roosevelt and Eastside Catholic. In the final, in front of a packed house that saw star players Terrence Hill, Jr. and Jacob Cofie have major showings, it was the combo of Utrillo Morris getting paint penetration and dishing to do-it-all Owen Nathan for the game-sealing lay-up to get the 70-68 victory.
Below, we’ve highlighted some of the top performers from this year's Hardwood Invite along with some hidden gems who came to the surface throughout the week.
Hardwood Invite MVP
Terrence Hill, Jr. | 2024 Guard | Roosevelt HS (OR) *Utah State signee
After spending last season on an Arizona Compass Prep (AZ) team filled with nationally-ranked players, Hill is back with Roosevelt playing with even more confidence and an endearing sense of urgency. He has always been a creative self-creator with great change of pace and playmaking chops and he only further confirmed that previous eval at the Hardwood Invite. One thing that really stood out is his increased ability to get to the basket, lulling the defense to sleep and then getting there with an improved first step. He also has good awareness of passing lanes and quick hands, defensively, yet another way he shows his plus-understanding of the game.
Ultimately, Hill is a tough shot-maker and has always been able to play at his own pace, manufacture plenty of good shots for himself and find open teammates. He is really great at pushing the pace of games with his transition passing and impressively had no turnovers in his last two games, this week. He finished the tournament tied for leading scorer, averaging 24.3 PPG with fantastic shooting splits of 58.3 FG/45.5 3FG/94.4 FT, all on solid volume.
His range is deep and he was a calming presence and leader for a Roughriders team that should compete at the highest level of Oregon 6A basketball this season. He also passed his 1,000th career point at Roosevelt and threw his hat into the ring in what should be a tightly-contested Player of the Year race for the state. Looking forward, Hill has the potential to play early and often in Logan and could soon become a vital part of the Aggies’ rotation.
Pro Insight’s Hardwood Invite All-Tournament First Team
Jacob Cofie | 2024 Forward | Eastside Catholic HS (WA) *Virginia
Cofie, someone we’ve tracked since the height of COVID in 2020, has added a ton of functional bulk throughout high school without losing his ability to put the ball on the floor, shoot with touch from the perimeter, play with good hands defensively and explode above the rim as a vertical athlete. This week in Portland, he came out in the opening game firing on all cylinders, carving out great looks around the basket with his strength, showing his mid-range game and making his presence felt on the boards as well as on the defensive end. In the second game, he aggravated a previous injury, which initially had him seriously questioning whether he would be available for the rest of the tournament.
With Eastside Catholic getting off to a slow start in the semifinals against South Medford, Cofie came off the bench and his presence alone instantly turned the game around. With South Medford’s star Jackson Weiland on the shelf with an injury of his own, the Crusaders ran away with things in the second half and entered the championship tilt vs. Roosevelt with confidence. In the final, you’d never know Cofie was banged up, as he nearly stole a huge “road win” with his most eye-opening performance of the week.
In the title game, Cofie had 26 points on 11-15 from the field (including multiple three-point makes), to go with 7 rebounds and 5 assists. He showed how switchable he could be at the next level, as he even held his own while guarding Terrence Hill, Jr. in space, stifling him at times. The major thing with the future Virginia Cavalier is his focus and awareness — as it can wane, at times — but when he’s zoned in, he is an absolute force. This week in Portland, Cofie showed off his elite physical tools, a versatile offensive skillset and an ability to leave his mark as a defender, all attributes Coach Bennett values immensely in Charlottesville.
Beckett Currie | 2025 Guard | Camas HS (WA)
It’s not hard to tell the amount of time Currie has been putting into his craft, with noticeable gains in strength, resulting in more finishing in the paint to pair with his always impressive touch from long range. He is growing into a real leader and is quite communicative, with an extensive knowledge of the game that shows in how he plays. He also is a real space creator, with touch as a finisher and some real shift with his handle.
The big thing in the two losses Camas sustained this week — decision making vs. pressure and being a tad loose with the ball at times, as he had heavy turnovers in losses to Roosevelt and Davis. It’s worth noting that despite coughing the ball up more than he would’ve liked vs. Roosevelt, Currie still poured in 34 points (including 8 threes), a mark no other player hit in a single game at the event. Currie already brings a ton of value as a shooter and playmaker, and with the junior guard appearing to be hyper focused on reaching his ceiling, he’s someone we confidently feel will continue to experience leaps in his development, over time. His defensive intensity and decision making under pressure are both things he can work on, but with each viewing, Currie continues to display overall growth in the right direction, a positive trait that more and more college programs are beginning to realize.
Cesar Hernandez | 2025 Guard | Davis HS (WA)
Throughout the week, Hernandez proved his ability to score in a variety of ways while also serving as a team leader and primary playmaker. He only finished 3-17 from deep, and those three makes all came in one game vs. Eastside Catholic (he shot 0-10 across the other three games). Despite the sub-part range shooting display, Hernandez still finished tied for leading scorer in the tournament, with an average of 24.3 PPG. He did it with a bevy of floaters and mid-range pull-ups along with self-created lay-ups and smart cutting while playing off the ball. His balance as a shooter is evident and he plays with a really nice pace, as well.
He can certainly still add strength to his frame, though it is really impressive how often he gets good looks close to the basket. He finished at 68.6% 2FG on the week, while also shooting 85.7% FT on a healthy 5.3 attempts per game. He surpassed the 1,000-point mark in the quarterfinals, ending that game with 29 points. Aside from his scoring prowess, he brings decision making chops, solid court vision and a good understanding of floor spacing. There is room to grow in terms of his assertiveness as he can go quiet for stretches, almost as if he is conserving energy for what he will have to do in the stretch run. Even with the struggles from long range and lull periods, Hernandez was really effective as a scorer and led Davis to a respectable 3-1 record in Portland.
Owen Nathan | 2025 Guard | Roosevelt HS (OR)
Playing well beyond his size as the person tasked with playing “forward” among a four-guard lineup with Roosevelt, Nathan truly showed just how much he brings to the table throughout the Hardwood Invite. All clichés aside, he truly brings a little bit of everything offensively. Even without shooting quite as well as we’ve seen in previous viewings, he attacked the glass, made timely cuts, processed decisions quickly, and countless timely defensive plays. He generated 11 steals in four games, along with 10 offensive rebounds, which points to his nose for the ball.
Nathan positively contributed in virtually every facet of the game with scoring feeling more like an afterthought, though still managed to average 16.5 PPG on the week. The multi-sport athlete is completely unafraid of the moment, epitomized by his game-winning bucket in the final seconds of the championship game vs. Eastside Catholic. He plays selflessly and appears willing to do whatever the coach asks and even while being surrounded by a trio of talented senior guards who all project to play at the next level, it was the junior who walked out of the gym Wednesday evening looking like Roosevelt’s second-best player. With his energy, BBIQ and translatable skillset on both ends, Owen Nathan is a name more college programs need to familiarize themselves with, should he choose the basketball route after high school.
Gylan Payne | 2025 Guard | Oregon City HS (OR)
Starting off the tournament with a huge 28-point performance against Roosevelt, Payne immediately popped in that game with just how much he gets done on both ends. His defensive instincts are enticing, as he possesses great timing and strong hands. The junior guard finished the tournament with averages of 2.0 BPG and 1.5 SPG, numbers that could’ve been ballooned even further had he not fouled out in the middle of the third quarter of one game after being on the wrong side of some questionable foul calls. Payne is also a major contributor on the glass, thanks to his motor and nose for the ball. On the offensive end, he constantly finds himself coming up with balls, creating second and third chances for Oregon City.
Outside shooting and finishing with consistency will be keys for him moving forward. That said, it was still a very impressive tournament for Payne, as he showed pass-dribble-shoot upside, plus strong defensive intensity and awareness. He finished the week with averages of 16.8 PPG, 8.0 RPG and 3.0 APG, while establishing himself among the more promising long term prospects in the event.
Tournament Stock-Boosters
Jack Brauckmiller | 2027 Big | Canby HS (OR)
Having only recently turned 15, his combination of size, movement, motor, and agility stand out. Also a football and baseball player, it seems like further growth is possible should he ever focus in on one sport. Brauckmiller showed real flashes offensively, contributed on the boards and is a promising team defender. He started the tournament off with a 22-point and 10-rebound double-double showing against Davis and while he still has a ways to go in terms of consistency, he has the look of a future potential D1 big.
Ethan Harris | 2026 Forward | Camas HS (WA)
Harris was an total game-changer in Camas’ opener, contributing 24 points, 10 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 steals, and 2 blocks, while making all four of his long range attempts in the win. His shooting mechanics are picture-perfect and he also brings soft touch and effective footwork around the basket. His defense really stands out, as well, and even in the game where he was held scoreless, he made a major impact thanks to his high-level motor, in and out-of-area rebounding and overall ground coverage on D. Expect plenty of college interest and offers to come soon, as Harris has the potential to play either forward spot at the next level with his legit perimeter skills, activity level, and agility for his size.
Kevin Sylla | 2024 Forward | Smoky Hill HS (CO)
One of the more physically-imposing players in the tournament, Sylla has vertical pop and can really use his advanced footwork to create opportunities around the basket. He also carves out space and brings sound fundamentals as a rebounder. Additionally, his ability as an ambidextrous finisher over either shoulder, along with his proficient outlet passing, mid-range shooting flashes, and movement as a defender have caused several college programs to take notice. New to Smoky Hill, Sylla led his team in scoring and rebounding in Portland, helping them earn a third-place finish.
O’Cien Valdes | 2025 Guard | Southridge HS (FL)
There are shooting “heaters,” and then there is the Hardwood Invite performance of O’Cien Valdes. He went a blistering 22-36 (61.1%) from three-point range in Portland, and averaged 21.5 PPG in four games played. He has some comfort level playing on the ball and provided some intriguing live-dribble passing reads, along with an ability to get shots off inside the arc when run off the line. The major trick with Valdes is his long range shooting, as he has the utmost confidence in himself, a quick release, deep range, and can get them up off the bounce or off the catch. For college programs looking for some assured shooting gravity, look no further.
Jackson Weiland | 2024 Guard | South Medford HS (OR)
A combined +58 (!) through his first two games in Portland, Weiland was even a +7 in South Medford’s semifinal with Eastside Catholic before taking a hard fall onto his shoulder, causing him to miss the rest of the tournament. He is an adept outside shooter and playmaker, leading South Medford as underdogs in each game to wins over Annie Wright and Southridge. He was notably leading the tournament in assists before his injury. The PG brings a strong frame, pace as a handler, a nice floater game, a strong outside shot, court vision, and good anticipatory skills as a defender. He was certainly one of the more dominant players in the event and South Medford will surely go as far as he can take them, this season. The tournament’s final standings really could have been altered had Weiland remained healthy.
Additional Notable Performers
Carter Basquez | 2026 Guard | Smoky Hill (CO)
💡➡️ Lanky guard who contributes as a scorer, playmaker and defender
Demaree Collins | 2024 Guard | Skyview HS (WA)
💡➡️ Big time vertical leaper with deep range as a shooter, along with handling and playmaking chops
Ty Dahlin | 2024 Wing | South Medford HS (OR)
💡➡️ a.k.a. “Mr. Wingspan,” one of the most impactful defenders in the tournament and arguably the best positional rebounder. Also brings a good understanding of the game, soft touch from range and great court vision
Quincy Douby, Jr. | 2027 Guard | Southridge HS (FL)
💡➡️ The requisite ingredients for an intriguing recipe are all there: NBA genes, outlier length, strong two-way instincts, soft shooting touch, etc.
Alex Elston | 2025 Guard | Eastside Catholic HS (WA)
💡➡️ An efficient offensive player who can get to the paint and kick or finish with touch, plus provides outside shooting and a motor on defense
Ray Gasaway | 2024 Guard | Smoky Hill HS (CO)
💡➡️ Scrappy defender who can get into the teeth of a defense, draw fouls and find openings for teammates
Kaylan Graham | 2025 Wing | Smoky Hill HS (CO)
💡➡️ Athletic paint finisher and a good cutter who provides flashes as a shooter and a defensive presence on the perimeter
Martin Kaupanger | 2025 Wing | Annie Wright HS (WA)
💡➡️ Scoring ability and vertical pop from a standstill, makes defensive plays and showed some on-ball flashes
Rigdhen Khyungra | 2027 Guard | LaSalle HS (OR)
💡➡️ Brings an outlier motor, full court defensive pressure and a mature understanding of change of speed as a driver
Nate Krohn | 2024 Forward | Eastside Catholic HS (WA) *Whitworth
💡➡️ Versatile utility guy ready to rise to the occasion — multi-level threat as a scorer and provides toughness on the boards and as a defender
Koby McClure | 2025 Guard | Prosser HS (WA)
💡➡️ Creative self-creator with an intriguing bag as a scorer as well as someone who’s capable of setting teammates up for easy looks as a playmaker
Utrillo Morris | 2024 Guard | Roosevelt HS (OR)
💡➡️ Arguably the toughest, grittiest, quickest, most impactful on-ball defender in the region. Also brings tremendous value as a positional rebounder, slasher and playmaker
Jake Miller | 2024 Guard | Rancho Solano HS (AZ)
💡➡️ Low-mistake, high-feel point guard who shoots it at a high clip from range and gets to his floater when run off the line
Jace VanVoorhis | 2025 Guard | Camas HS (WA)
💡➡️ Smart, skilled, creative, assertive combo who stuffs the stat sheet and is comfortable operating on or off the ball
Sagith Vargas | 2024 Guard | Rancho Solano HS (AZ)
💡➡️ Brings competitive fire on defense, poise, playmaking, and multi-level shooting
Malakai Wermer | 2026 Wing | Skyview HS (WA)
💡➡️ Skyview’s offensive hub who consistently generates easy looks for his team and rebounds at a level most can’t at his size
Chance White | 2024 Guard | Roosevelt HS (OR)
💡➡️ Proficient outside shooter with a lethal pull-up game, a propensity for making big time plays when his team needs them most and someone who really competes on both ends
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