Ranked and Unranked Oregon Hoopers Changing The Game

These five from the Class of 2026 aren't chasing hype. They're earning respect every day through hard work, leadership, and consistency. They're not just putting up stats, they're building legacies for their programs and leaving a lasting mark on Oregon basketball. Each player is shaping the future of the game in the state, and their best is still ahead. Here's a look at five rising stars changing the game.    Taylor's game speaks volumes. She's sharp, confident, and always under control. [player_tooltip player_id='832611' first='Taylor' last='Young'] led Crater High to a state championship with poise and purpose, putting up around 20 points per game while elevating everyone around her. Named Oregon 5A Player of the Year, she's not just a scorer; she's a leader with a deep understanding of the moment. Whether it's breaking a press, hitting a clutch jumper, or setting the tone defensively, Taylor thrives under pressure. Her swagger isn't showy, it's earned through consistent production and high-level composure. Every possession, she brings a mix of smooth handles, court vision, and scoring instincts that make her hard to guard and easy to trust. Already committed to Oregon State, she's bringing that same intensity and focus to the next level. Taylor doesn't just play the game, she commands it. And as her game continues to grow, she's poised to make noise in the Pac-12 from day one.     Maddie Johnson is a dynamic force on the court for South Salem High School. As a sophomore guard, she has emerged as a key contributor to the Saxons' offense and defense. Known for her quick first step and aggressive playstyle, Johnson excels in driving to the basket and creating opportunities for her teammates. Her defensive prowess is equally impressive, often tasked with guarding the opposing team's top perimeter player. In a notable game against Sherwood, Johnson's defensive efforts were instrumental in keeping the game competitive. Her ability to adapt and perform under pressure has made her a reliable presence on the court. Off the court, Johnson is recognized for her leadership and commitment to the team's success. With her work ethic and determination, she is poised to continue making significant contributions to South Salem's basketball program in the coming seasons.     [player_tooltip player_id='828956' first='Mayen' last='Akpan'] plays with a force that's impossible to ignore. Every game, she brings a physical edge owning the paint, ripping down rebounds, and putting up double-doubles like it's routine. Her presence in the post changes how teams play; she controls the glass, swats shots with authority, and finishes around the rim with strength and balance. But what makes her truly exciting is that she's just getting started. There's more skill, more versatility, and more confidence emerging in her game with every rep. Her footwork is improving, her midrange shot is developing, and her passing out of the post shows flashes of real playmaking ability. Defensively, she anchors the lane with toughness and timing. Offensively, she brings a dependable inside option who's only growing more dynamic. Mayen's ceiling is high, and she's climbing fast. As dominant as she already is, it's clear she's just scratching the surface.     [player_tooltip player_id='832587' first='Taylor' last='Donaldson'] sets the tone from the jump. She plays with confidence, energy, and purpose one of those players you feel as soon as the game starts. She gets buckets in volume, averaging over 20 a night, and she does it in a variety of ways. Smooth pull-ups, catch-and-shoot threes, finishes through contact she's got it all. Her length and athleticism give her an edge on both ends, and she defends with real pride. She takes on tough assignments and never backs down. Taylor plays with poise but isn't afraid to take over when the game gets tight. She wants the ball in big moments and knows what to do with it. That mix of skill, confidence, and leadership has made her one of the most impactful players in Oregon. Every time she steps on the floor, she's locked in and ready to go. Taylor doesn't chase the moment she creates it.     [player_tooltip player_id='832605' first='Sara' last='Mangan'] plays like she's got the keys to every game, commanding the court with craft, composure, and danger every time she touches the ball. She's a do‑it‑all guard scoring around 17 to 18 points per game, facilitating with roughly five assists, grabbing six rebounds, and creating havoc with nearly three steals nightly. She's not just scoring, she's orchestrating, deflecting, and defending. She knocked down 22 points with four assists in the state tournament, and in another playoff push, she poured in 31 points in a win over West Linn. Her shot is real, too, joining those point totals with multiple three‑pointers. Committed to Portland, she's still playing like she has everything to prove every time she's on the floor. She doesn't just control the game. She owns it.     [player_tooltip player_id='832586' first='Ava' last='Bergeson'] brings that edge every team needs. She's a tough, physical wing who competes on both ends of the floor. She rebounds in traffic, defends with purpose, and finishes through contact without flinching. Her size and strength make her a problem around the rim, but she can also step out and knock down shots, forcing defenders to play her honest. Ava doesn't need the ball in her hands to make an impact—she cuts hard, crashes the glass, and does the dirty work. She can stretch the floor, get downhill, and make the right reads in transition. On defense, she's active and disciplined, always in the right spot and ready to contest. She's a leader by example—focused, composed, and consistent. Never loud, never showy, just always locked in. Ava doesn't chase attention—she earns respect with how she plays, and her presence sets the tone every time she steps on the floor.     [player_tooltip player_id='1124499' first='Millie' last='Lathen'] is already making waves as a freshman at Grants Pass High School. Standing 6 feet tall, she brings a rare combination of size, skill, and basketball IQ that sets her apart. Averaging around 14 points per game, Millie doesn't just score she rebounds, passes, and plays defense with energy and intelligence. She has a knack for stepping up in big moments, like when she scored all her points in the second half of a key game to keep her team competitive. Millie's versatility allows her to impact the game in multiple ways, whether it's attacking the rim, creating plays for teammates, or protecting the paint. Her leadership and calm under pressure have earned her recognition as one of the state's top freshmen. With her work ethic and natural ability, Millie is poised to be a major force in Oregon basketball for years to come.

These five from the Class of 2026 aren't chasing hype. They're earning respect every day through hard work, leadership, and consistency. They're not just putting up stats, they're building legacies for their programs and leaving a lasting mark on Oregon basketball. Each player is shaping the future of the game in the state, and their best is still ahead. Here's a look at five rising stars changing the game.