Oregon’s best high school boys basketball players: Meet the top stars in the 6A PIL

We’re taking a conference-by-conference look at some of the state’s top high school basketball players. Here’s the Portland Interscholastic League boys list.

We’re taking a conference-by-conference look at some of the state’s top high school basketball players. Here’s the Portland Interscholastic League boys list.

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.

Brave Johnson (Jefferson) photo by Leon Neuschwander 

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Benson

G Kavon Bradford, jr., 6-2

One of the state’s most coveted junior prospects, Bradford is a 6-foot-2 scoring guard who has steadily improved his outside shot. The left-hander gets to the rim with ease and ranked 11th on the Class 6A scoring list last spring at 19.1 points per game. He is also one of the best rebounding guards in the state.

G Dylan Douangphrachanh, so., 6-2

Douangphrachanh is a good all-around scorer who excels at shooting from beyond the arc. As a freshman, he averaged 14.3 points against strong competition in the PIL.

F Miguel Taylor, so., 6-6

A sophomore transfer from Eagle, Idaho, Taylor has been one of Benson’s most consistent scoring threats this season. He has good size at 6-foot-6 and can play inside and outside. 

Cleveland

F Jackson Cooper, jr., 6-5

Cooper is the vocal leader for the Warriors. The junior forward is averaging 11 points, 11 rebounds and one block per game this season. “Jackson is a good finisher around the rim and a very high-energy player,” head coach Dondrale Campbell said. “Jackson is the protector on defense.”

G Lawson Vella, sr., 6-1

A dangerous threat from beyond the three-point stripe, Vella is a veteran ball-handler who is averaging 11 points per game. Campbell said Vella is receiving interest from Chico State and Lewis & Clark. “Lawson is a sharpshooter when given space,” the coach said. “He is very crafty in the lane and can set his teammates up as well.”

W Christian Green, jr., 6-3

Green is a high-flying junior who is putting up eight points per game. “He loves playing above the rim and in transition when it’s available,” Campbell said. “Christian has a smoother jumper, too, which makes it tough for defenders to keep up with him.”

G Jamel Pichon, jr., 6-0

Pichon also averages eight points per game, but the junior makes his mark on the defensive end. “He is always pestering the ball and making plays for his teammates to score,” Campbell said. “His defensive pressure gets us going, and he finds his baskets in between.”

Franklin

F Kwaje Laila, so., 6-2

A rising sophomore forward, Laila has proven to be a capable scorer early in his career at Franklin. “Kwaje is a guy who can score at all three levels: in the post, mid-range and on three-pointers,” head coach Osadonor Esene said.

G Dominic Papworth, so., 6-1

Papworth is a sophomore who can play point guard and shooting guard. “Dominic can score off the dribble and he has great leadership skills at the point guard position,” Esene said.

G Charles Grassman, so., 6-4

Grassman has been sidelined with an injury, but the sophomore is one of Franklin’s best offensive weapons when healthy. “Charles can shoot it with the best of them,” Esene said.

Grant

G Adrian Mosley, jr., 6-3

Mosley has been a star for Grant since the opening game of his freshman season. The 6-foot-3 junior can play nearly any position on the floor and is averaging 20.5 points per game this season, ranking seventh in Class 6A. As a sophomore, he tied for fifth in the classification with 2.5 steals per game. “Adrian has led the way for us,” head coach Robert Key said. “There are some things I think he can do more for us, like defensive rebounding. Moving forward, I’m going to have him take more of a leadership role for us on defense and guard the opposing team’s best player. But overall, he’s been our team leader.”

F Max von Arx, sr., 6-5

Von Arx, who was also a varsity standout as a freshman, is one of the most experienced players in the state. His offensive game has continued to expand with age, but the 6-foot-5 senior is best known for his defense. A season ago, the versatile big man ranked second in 6A in blocks (2.4) and steals (2.4). “Max is our glue guy,” Key said. “I’d like to see more offense from him. And he’s still getting settled in, getting into a rhythm on offense. But he’s our defensive glue guy.”

G Jae’Sean Pete, sr., 5-9

Pete is a returning starter in the backcourt for Grant. During the fall, he helped lead the Generals to the PIL football title. On the basketball court, Pete is a strong passer who can also light it up from long range. Pete suffered a sprained ankle in a loss to Lincoln, but Key only expects the senior to miss a handful of games. “It’s unfortunate because he’s been playing extremely well for us,” Key said.

G Andre Lawrence, sr., 6-2

Lawrence, another returning starter, is a long senior guard who excels on defense. He has steadily improved his outside shot over the course of his high school career. “Andre has been guarding one of the better players on the opposing team all season,” Key said. “We’re looking to get him rolling on the offensive end as well.”

G Vashon Hardges, so., 6-2

A key bench player for the Generals, Hardges is a sophomore guard with a high ceiling. “Last year, I knew he was going to be a huge factor on the varsity team. The sky is the limit for him,” Key said. “He’s going to be a good one; he’s just got some seniors in front of him this year.” 

G Marcus McKinney, jr., 5-10

McKinney is back at Grant after spending one season at Benson. He is an offensive spark plug for the Generals. “His perimeter shooting is exceptional,” Key said. “He also does a great job for us defensively.” 

Jefferson

G Brave Johnson, fr., 5-8

Johnson is a talented freshman who is playing big minutes for rebuilding Jefferson. First-year head coach Thomas Gardner said Johnson is one of the pieces the Democrats will build around. “He’s a kid who’s been around the program since he was eight or nine years old as the ball boy,” Gardner said.

G Preston Reid, sr., 5-9

Reid is a standout on the football field who is getting his first taste of varsity basketball with the Democrats. Gardner said Reid is providing excellent leadership. “He is a great defender overall but probably a better on-ball defender,” Gardner said. “He is our leader when it comes to the defensive end.”

F DJ Johnson, so., 6-4

DJ Johnson is a sophomore who impressed Gardner early in preseason practice with his intensity. “He has really come a long way with his development,” Gardner added. “DJ plays with a high motor and has a ton of energy.”

Lincoln

F Moroni Seely-Roberts, jr., 6-6

Moroni Seely-Roberts has fared well after transferring from Class 3A Yamhill-Carlton to Lincoln over the summer. At midseason, the 6-foot-6 junior was averaging 24.6 points — second in 6A behind West Linn’s Jackson Shelstad — and 10 rebounds per game. “Moroni is getting looks from Division I and Division II colleges,” head coach Heather Seely-Roberts said of her son, who was the 2021 3A state player of the year. 

G Malachi Seely-Roberts, jr., 6-8

Twin brother of Moroni, Malachi also transferred from Yamhill-Carlton after helping lead the Tigers to the 3A state title. He is hearing from several schools as well and is stuffing the stat sheet with 12 points, four rebounds and five assists per game this winter. “He can really shoot deep three-pointers,” coach Seely-Roberts said. 

G Sawyer Heald, sr., 6-0

A returning senior from last season, Heald is an experienced ball-handler for the Cardinals. He is a dangerous three-point shooter and willing passer who is averaging nine points per game. “Sawyer is having a great season and is hoping to play at a small college or junior college,” coach Seely-Roberts said.

McDaniel

G Jeremya Miller, sr., 6-1

A senior leader for McDaniel, Miller is a dynamic scorer and a relentless defender. Head coach Chuck Matthews said Miller also has an extremely high basketball IQ. “Jeremy is outstanding academically with a high GPA and he is excited to continue his career at the next level,” Matthews said.

G Moses Farmer, sr., 6-3

Farmer has been a member of McDaniel’s varsity team since his freshman season. When Farmer isn’t playing basketball, he spends his time on the football field and the baseball diamond. “Moses is an excellent defender and a fantastic three-point shooter,” Matthews said.

G Andy Do, sr., 6-1

Do is in his third season as the team’s starting point guard. “He has an uncanny ability to get to the basket and is a strong finisher,” Matthews said. “He is a tenacious defender and understands the importance of communicating on the court.”

W/F Elijah Martin, jr., 6-2

Martin is a talented junior who has a soft touch with his jump shots. “He is also a strong finisher in the post,” Matthews said.

G TaKwain Montgomery, so., 6-0

A true point guard, Montgomery is an emerging sophomore who has a bright future. “He can really push in transition and efficiently run the half-court offense,” Matthews said.

Roosevelt

G/W Raysean Seamster, sr., 6-7

A returning first-team all-state selection, Seamster is rated the No. 1 player in Oregon for the class of 2022 and a three-star prospect by 247Sports. He is an explosive athlete who holds Division I scholarship offers from San Francisco and Washington. “He is an elite finisher and defender who is good in transition,” head coach Yusuf Leary said. “He is also a good ball-handler, shooter and rebounder.”

G Terrence Hill, so., 6-3

A walking bucket, Hill is one of the state’s most prolific all-around scorers. He is averaging 23 points per game and holds offers from Portland, Portland State and San Francisco. “He is an elite playmaker, an elite shooter and an elite ball-handler,” Leary said. “He is also a good rebounder and an elite change-of-pace guy.”

G/W Donatello Tupper, sr., 6-5

Arguably the most athletic player in the state, Tupper is known for his ability to finish in the paint. He has also gotten better as a shooter over the course of his high school career. “He is a good rebounder and is elite in transition,” Leary said.

G Utrillo Morris, so., 5-10

Morris is also an explosive athlete who is a good shooter as a sophomore. Leary said Morris could be the best on-ball defender in the state. “He has elite defensive instincts and is a good playmaker,” Leary said. “He has a high basketball IQ and is a good finisher.”

Wells

G Leo Sewell, sr., 5-11

Sewell is a veteran point guard who averaged 11 points and 5.6 assists a season ago. One of the state’s best passers, Sewell led Class 6A in assists as a sophomore and ranked second last spring. He has excellent quickness and is an improved shooter.

G Jacey Canalin, so., 5-8

Canalin is a lightning-quick sophomore guard who excels at scoring and passing. In a double-overtime loss to Lincoln, Canalin netted 23 points while Sewell poured in 26.

G Nick DiGiulio, so., 5-10

Another strong sophomore guard, DiGuilio is a talented shooter and all-around scorer. He is leading Wells in points per game.

F Jonah Jones, jr., 6-3

Jones gives Wells some size in the paint and is a solid rebounder. He can also score when needed, including a loss to Grant in which he netted a team-high 14 points.