Big-Time Players in Big-Time Matchups at Every Level this Week
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6A Mayen Akpan HEIGHT 6'3" POS C CLASS 2026 Mayen Akpan School: South Medford So far in her sophomore season, Akpan has been stepping into an increased role for the Panthers very nicely. At 6’3, she is a force down…
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Mayen Akpan
Mayen Akpan
So far in her sophomore season, Akpan has been stepping into an increased role for the Panthers very nicely. At 6’3, she is a force down low for South Medford, resulting in a few big time performances already this year. In two tough games down in California, Akpan shot 100% for 10 points to go along with 6 rebounds and 2 steals against Sage Hill and also had a monster double-double with 16 points and 13 rebounds in the win over Orangewood Academy. Playing alongside a very talented sophomore class, Akpan will continue to be one to keep an eye on. She plays in a big matchup against a stacked Benson team on Wednesday, 12/20 at 8:30pm at Corban University as part of the Capitol City Classic.
5A
Maddie Angel Maddie Angel PG South Albany | 2026 State OR
Maddie Angel Maddie Angel PG South Albany | 2026 State OR
Maddie Angel Maddie Angel PG South Albany | 2026 State OR is also a member of a very talented sophomore class, this time at South Albany. She has been starting at the point guard position since last season as a freshman, and although not a huge scorer for the RedHawks so far this year, she is one of those players who does all of the little things for her team, making her extremely valuable. She is a true point guard on the offensive end, always looking for her teammates, and she’s a super savvy defender with great hands. She and the RedHawks head north to take on a talented Wilsonville squad in a huge non-league battle on Friday, 12/22 at 6:00pm.
4A
Kaitlyn Ventris Kaitlyn Ventris 6'1" | SF Scappoose | 2024 State OR
Kaitlyn Ventris Kaitlyn Ventris 6'1" | SF Scappoose | 2024 State OR
Senior Kaitlyn Ventris Kaitlyn Ventris 6’1″ | SF Scappoose | 2024 State OR has been making some noise in 4A this basketball season. She had 14 points and 8 rebounds in the win over Gladstone, a double-double performance versus North Marion, and 21 points on the road against Junction City. She has been an all-around playmaker for the Indians and is helping to show why they may be a team to watch out for in the postseason. Scappoose, who is currently 5-1 and ranked 4th in 4A, will take on the defending 3A state champion Banks Braves at Banks on Friday, 12/22 at 6:00pm in a can’t-miss matchup.
3A
Hailey Cleaver Hailey Cleaver 5'6" | CG Vale | 2024 State OR
Hailey Cleaver Hailey Cleaver 5'6" | CG Vale | 2024 State OR
Cleaver is a leader of a very talented Vale team that will likely be vying for a trophy at the end of this season. She is very quick and athletic and combined with her savviness, she makes some great defensive plays for the Vikings to put up big numbers in the steals category. On the offensive end, she is an elite outside shooter, even hitting seven 3-pointers in their game against Nampa Christian to finish with 21 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, and 5 steals. #6-ranked Vale heads to Lakeview to take on the #13-ranked Honkers in a great 3A battle on Thursday, 12/21 at 7:30pm.
2A
Hadley Hughes Hadley Hughes CG Willamina | 2027 OR
Hadley Hughes Hadley Hughes CG Willamina | 2027 OR
Taking a look at some 2A hoops, Willamina has found a very promising freshman prospect in Hadley Hughes Hadley Hughes CG Willamina | 2027 OR . She had 23 points in their season opener against Sheridan — the first game of her high school career — and put up an impressive performance of 16 points and 5 rebounds in their win over Waldport last week. A very talented volleyball player and overall gifted athlete, Hughes will be a huge asset for the Bulldogs over the course of the next four years. Willamina heads to play 3A Warrenton on Wednesday, 12/20 at 6:00pm, which will make for a great matchup out on the coast as both teams are currently sitting at 5-3.
1A
Ava Barnett Ava Barnett 5’3″ | CG New Hope Christian | 2025 State OR has rapidly been making a statement for herself in her junior season. She was named honorable mention all-state by the OBCA last year as a sophomore for her impressive efforts on the court. She is often the leading scorer for the Lady Warriors by quite a bit, however, she contributes in every statistical category for them. Undefeated at 9-0, New Hope Christian is currently ranked 5th in the state and first in their league and will host Mapleton, a team vying for the top of their own league, on Thursday, 12/21 at 5:00pm.