Making Their Mark: Central Oregon’s Girls Basketball Standouts

<!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1192568"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":1963836,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ae0f8236e886"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Central Oregon has talent worth watching, and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1192568' first='Bergen' last='Porter']</strong>, a Class of 2028 standout at Redmond High School and a member of Central Oregon Force AAU, is a player who should be on the radar.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Porter has the physical tools and athleticism to make an impact at the next level. With her size, length, and explosiveness, she presents a difficult matchup for defenders, particularly when she gets downhill. Her first step is quick, and she plays with a pedal-down mentality, attacking the basket with strength, confidence, and a willingness to embrace contact.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>What makes Porter especially intriguing is her ability to elevate and make decisions in the air, allowing her to adjust and finish through challenging defensive situations. She plays a hard-nosed brand of basketball, combining physicality with the athleticism to create opportunities for herself.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Just as important, Porter has put significant work into developing her three-point shot. That growth is helping her become a more complete offensive threat, with the ability to score at all three levels. When a player with her physical tools can attack off the dribble, finish around the rim, and knock down shots from the perimeter, she becomes a much tougher player to contain.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Porter is more than an athlete who can overpower opponents. She is continuing to expand her offensive game, and that development makes her an intriguing prospect in the 2028 class.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Porter is a name to know out of Central Oregon.</strong> With her combination of size, explosiveness, physicality, and an evolving perimeter game, she has the tools to compete at the next level. As she continues to refine her skills and build on her progress, she is a player worth keeping on the scouting radar.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1691387"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ae0f8236e8e3"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Some players catch your attention early, and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1691387' first='McKinley' last='Sloper']</strong> has been one of those players for me. Having watched her develop since middle school, it was especially rewarding to see her put together an outstanding freshman season last year. Now, heading into her sophomore season, Sloper is a player I expect to see continue to elevate her game and strengthen her position among Oregon's top players in the Class of 2029.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A member of Central Oregon Force AAU, Sloper continues to challenge herself against some of the best competition in the region during the offseason. That experience, combined with her development at the high school level, is helping shape a player with the physical tools and competitive mentality to play at the next level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sloper's size and physicality immediately stand out, but what makes her game particularly fun to watch is her feel for the game. She plays with an old-school savvy that you don't see as often in today's game. Her ball fakes, jab steps, and ability to get defenders off balance before making her move are reminiscent of 90s basketball, when footwork, patience, and deception were essential parts of an offensive player's toolkit. She understands how to manipulate a defender and create an advantage rather than simply relying on athleticism.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>But perhaps my favorite part of Sloper's game is her intensity and competitive fire. She plays with an edge, attacks the glass, and isn't afraid to grab a rebound and push the ball coast to coast herself. She brings a relentless, physical approach to the game and competes for every possession. When Sloper gets going, she puts pressure on the opposition with her combination of strength, determination, and willingness to make things happen.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Having followed her journey over the years, her continued growth is exciting to watch. Sloper already brings a physical presence and basketball IQ that separate her from many players in her class, and her experience competing against strong regional competition will only add to her development.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1691387' first='McKinley' last='Sloper'] is a name to know in Oregon's Class of 2029.</strong> With her size, old-school skill, and relentless competitive drive, she has the foundation to continue developing into a next-level prospect. I'm looking forward to seeing what she brings to the court this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1232814"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ae0f8236e92b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Every team needs players who can fill a stat sheet, but the ones who truly make a difference are those who understand how to impact the game in multiple ways. <strong>Abby Johnson</strong>, a Class of 2028 standout at Bend High School and a member of Central Oregon Force AAU, is exactly that type of player.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Johnson is a natural two-way athlete who brings a combination of size, athleticism, and versatility that makes her a valuable presence on the court. She does the little things that help teams win, whether that means controlling the boards, defending, establishing position in the post, or stepping away from the basket to create scoring opportunities.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Offensively, Johnson has the ability to attack the basket with purpose and knock down shots from the mid-range. Her versatility makes her a challenging matchup because she doesn't need to rely on one particular scoring option. She can work inside, face up against defenders, and create opportunities when the defense gives her space.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of Johnson's strengths is her ability to use her size and athleticism to see over the defense and make sound decisions. That court awareness allows her to recognize opportunities, find the right play, and contribute beyond simply putting points on the board.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>What stands out about Johnson is her willingness to impact the game wherever her team needs her. Rebounding, defending, finishing inside, or stepping out to hit a jumper, she brings a well-rounded approach that coaches value. Players who can contribute on both ends of the floor while embracing the less glamorous aspects of the game are often the ones who help elevate an entire lineup.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As she continues to develop, Johnson is another Central Oregon prospect worth watching in the 2028 class. Her combination of size, athleticism, versatility, and team-first play gives her a strong foundation to build on.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Abby Johnson is a name to keep on the radar.</strong> With her two-way ability and willingness to do whatever the game requires, she has the tools to continue growing as a prospect with next-level potential.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1939177"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ae128b17442f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Central Oregon has another young prospect worth watching in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1939177' first='Harper' last='Coursey']</strong>, who is set to take the floor for her freshman season at Caldera High School. A member of Central Oregon Force AAU, Coursey is entering high school with an intriguing combination of size, length, and basketball IQ that gives her plenty of room to grow into a next-level prospect.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>At 6'2” as a freshman, Coursey already brings a physical presence that all basketball coaches are looking for. According to Central Oregon Force Director Dusty Porter, she is a high-IQ player with plenty of length, two qualities that immediately stand out when evaluating her potential. He also stated that she is an amazing passer for her size and position. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Around the basket, Coursey shows promise with her hands, footwork, and touch in the paint. She has the tools to become an effective interior presence offensively, and as she continues to develop her strength and refine her skills, her ability to finish around the rim should be an important part of her game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Defensively, Coursey's length allows her to take up significant space in the paint and make life difficult for opposing players. Her shot-blocking ability gives her the potential to become a valuable rim protector, altering shots and making opponents think twice before attacking the basket. For a young player entering her first high school season, that defensive presence is an exciting foundation to build upon.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>What makes Coursey particularly intriguing is that she is still at the beginning of her development. With her size, feel for the game, and emerging interior skills, she has an opportunity to make meaningful strides as she gains experience against high school competition and continues playing with Central Oregon Force.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1939177' first='Harper' last='Coursey'] is one to watch in Central Oregon's next wave of talent.</strong> At 6'2” with strong instincts, promising touch around the basket, and the ability to protect the rim, she has the physical tools and foundation to develop into an exciting prospect in the years ahead.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1882530"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ae128b174487"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The next wave of Central Oregon basketball talent is already making its presence felt, and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1882530' first='Beija' last='Carl']</strong>, a Class of 2030 standout at Caldera High School and a member of Central Oregon Force AAU, is a name worth knowing. Alongside her twin sister (Nala), Carl has been turning heads over the past year, and she looks poised to make an immediate impact as she enters the high school level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of Carl's biggest weapons is her shooting ability. She can really shoot the rock from the perimeter, and defenders who give her too much space are likely to pay for it. Her confidence from the outside forces defenses to respect her range, creating opportunities for herself and her teammates.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>But Carl is far more than a perimeter shooter. She does an excellent job pushing the ball in transition, using her ability to change direction and execute the Euro step to get to the rim and finish. When the defense collapses, she also has the vision to find trailing teammates for easy scoring opportunities. That combination of scoring instincts and playmaking makes her a dangerous player in the open floor.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Carl's basketball IQ is another defining part of her game. She makes quality reads, delivers strong passes to post players, and understands how to work within the pick-and-roll. She recognizes what the defense is giving her and can turn those opportunities into scoring chances for others. For a player in the Class of 2030, that level of decision-making is an encouraging sign of her potential.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>She also brings a physical edge to the game. Carl competes hard throughout the contest, isn't afraid of contact, and has the ability to finish at the rim despite defensive pressure. When you combine that toughness with her perimeter shooting and court vision, you have a player who can impact the game in multiple ways.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As Carl continues to develop, opponents will have to find ways to limit her shooting without opening up driving lanes or giving her passing opportunities. That is a difficult balance to strike, particularly against a player who can score at all three levels and make her teammates better.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1882530' first='Beija' last='Carl'] is a Class of 2030 prospect to watch in Central Oregon.</strong> With her shooting touch, transition game, basketball IQ, and competitive mentality, she has the potential to make a significant impact at Caldera and continue building toward the next level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1882529"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ae128b1744ff"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Some young players make their presence felt with a big shot. Others control the game by understanding what the defense is giving them and making everyone around them better. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1882529' first='Nala' last='Carl']</strong>, a Class of 2030 standout at Caldera High School and a member of Central Oregon Force AAU, brings that kind of court awareness to the floor.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Alongside her twin sister (Beija), <strong>Nala </strong>has been turning heads over the past year. What makes Nala particularly fun to watch is her ability to read the game and create opportunities before the defense realizes what is happening. She plays with her head up, stays composed under pressure, and consistently looks for ways to put her teammates in positions to succeed.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Nala's feel for the pick-and-roll is one of the most impressive parts of her game. She understands that the best play isn't always the most obvious one. She reads how defenders react to screens, recognizes when a help defender steps up, and delivers the ball to a teammate rolling toward the basket. Her timing and awareness allow her to capitalize on small defensive mistakes that can quickly turn into easy points.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>But don't mistake her playmaking instincts for a pass-first guard who isn't looking to score. <strong>Nala can put real pressure on a defense with both her ability to attack and her shooting from beyond the arc.</strong> She does a great job getting downhill, challenging defenders, and creating opportunities when she sees an opening. Her three-point shot is another major weapon. When she is knocking down shots from the perimeter, defenders have little room to relax, making it even more difficult to contain her off the dribble.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>She also knows how to use deception to open up the floor. Her shot fake is an effective weapon, drawing defenders out of position and creating passing windows that weren't there a moment earlier. Once she gets the defense to commit, Nala does a great job finding teammates inside, particularly when defenders leave the paint to challenge her. It is a patient, calculated approach to playmaking that reflects a strong understanding of offensive basketball.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>For a young guard, that combination of skill and basketball IQ is a valuable foundation. As she takes the next step at Caldera and continues competing with Central Oregon Force, her ability to balance scoring with creating opportunities for others will be an important part of her development.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1882529' first='Nala' last='Carl'] is a Class of 2030 prospect worth watching.</strong> With her court vision, pick-and-roll reads, ability to attack, and a strong three-point shot, she brings a versatile offensive game that can make an impact well beyond the box score. She isn't just looking to make a play; she understands how to make the right play, and that is what makes her such an intriguing young guard.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->