Breakout Players of 2023

The 2023 is already shaping up to be a formidable class, with St Mary Academy’s [player_tooltip player_id="158538" first="Sofia" last="Bell"], leading the way with a sensational freshman campaign.  This class is so deep in fact, that there were players that battled injury or didn’t quite have the chance yet to prove what they are fully capable of.  [player_tooltip player_id="158543" first="Donovyn" last="Hunter"] was plagued by injury and did not play a game this season, but looks to prove the flashes of genius that she showed during her middle school days for a dangerous South Medford club.  [player_tooltip player_id="158558" first="Eliza" last="Buerk"] of La Salle and Beaverton’s [player_tooltip player_id="158564" first="Zoe" last="Borter"] were key cogs of elite teams in the State that look for increased roles to show off their skills.  Here are the breakout players of the 2023 class. &nbsp; <span style="font-weight: 400;"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="158543" first="Donovyn" last="Hunter"] 2023 5’10" PG South Medford HS</strong> - Donovyn was previously a middle school prodigy who has already received Division 1 interest for her precocious ball handling skills and overall advanced fundamentals.  She was set to make an immediate impact for South Medford before she suffered a season ending injury before her freshman season.  Now playing for the best team in the State, Donovyn has the ability to make a splash for the Panthers, who look forwards for the State Title.</span> <span style="font-weight: 400;"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="158558" first="Eliza" last="Buerk"] 2023 6’1" PF La Salle HS</strong> - Eliza is a big post who was upside written all over her, she played sparingly in her first year for the Falcons.  Her second year will be a big leap as she will be ready to show her skills down low offensively and defensively.  Buerk displays good footwork and the ability to score down low and defensively, her size helps her rebound and alter shots.  The only thing that she is missing is the playing time, which will surely come in her sophomore season.  </span> <span style="font-weight: 400;"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="158564" first="Zoe" last="Borter"] 2023 5’11" SG Beaverton HS</strong> - Zoe was a rotational player for the Beavers last season who made an impact as soon as she got in, as she was amongst the top players in field goal and three-point percentage.  She is a sharpshooter who isn’t afraid to let it go, but playing for the Beavers last season also taught her to be a great all around player.  Look for Borter to make an impact with significant playing time as she returns as one of their best players.  </span> <span style="font-weight: 400;"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="158551" first="Annie" last="Koenig"] 2023 5’9" SG Barlow HS</strong> - Annie is an aggressive guard for the Bruins who knows how to score inside as well as has the outside shooting skills.  With the onset of [player_tooltip player_id="158542" first="Kennedie" last="Shuler"] as one of the top guards of the Mt Hood Conference, Annie has the chance to make one of the best two guard tandems for years to come.  She certainly has the skills and with increased playing time, she will surely take advantage of her opportunity.  </span> <span style="font-weight: 400;"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="158559" first="Malaya" last="Lesueur"] 2023 5’9" SF Benson HS</strong> - Lesueur is always on the offensive attack, as she is a capable shooter and finishes strong inside.  She is also on the prowl defensively, looking for steals on the press and turns them into easy points.  With the graduation of Bria Dixson, the Techsters will be looking at several young players to fill that void.  Malaya will be one of them, as she will look to build upon a successful freshman campaign.  </span> <span style="font-weight: 400;"><strong>Kendra Bittle 2023 5’11" PF Crater HS</strong> - Kendra battled injuries last season, coming back for a short portion of last season just in time for the 5A State Tournament.  She is a tall forward that is a capable rebounder and defender and has the tools to be a scorer.  Kendra is also a volleyball player for the Comets as well as the younger sister of prolific basketball player Nate Bittle.  She has it in her to be a great basketball player, with next season as a perfect stepping stone for development.  </span> <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="158554" first="Bailey" last="Donohue"] 2023 6’0" C McKay HS </strong>- Bailey started quite a few games for the Royal Scots this past season, as her big frame provided sparks on both ends of the floor.  Defensively, she is engaged and offensively, she is capable of anchoring it down low.  With [player_tooltip player_id="158491" first="Skye" last="Miller"] prepping for a big senior season,  this puts Bailey in position for a big jump during her sophomore year.  Look for her to continue to add to her game and make strides for her team next season. &nbsp;