Some players catch your attention early, and McKinley Sloper McKinley Sloper 5'9" | SG/SF Crook County | 2029 State OR 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

McKinley Sloper McKinley Sloper 5'9" | SG/SF Crook County | 2029 State OR is a name to know in Oregon’s Class of 2029. 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.

Sloper is another young star with eye-popping numbers as a freshman, averaging 19 points, 9 rebounds, 6 assists and 5 steals. Despite being a new member of 5A, Crook County is quietly building a formidable program out of Prineville, and the Cowgirls finished in sixth place at Linfield in March. Sloper is one of their finest products as a true do-it-all wing. She is an offensive engine, playing 1 through 4 and even recording a rare high school triple-double against Mountain View with 28 points, 10 rebounds and 10 steals. Sometimes you see players this skilled try to force things and end up making things harder for themselves — not Sloper. She makes the right play every time. She wants to work on her finishing efficiency as her career progresses, and once she does, she could see some college offers roll in. Sloper helped her club, Central Oregon Force, finish in third place at the Elite is Earned Select League finals this summer in Louisville, Ky.

McKinley Sloper McKinley Sloper 5'9" | SG/SF Crook County | 2029 State OR combined for 27 points (shooting 47% from the field) and 11 rebounds in two 5A state tournament games for the Cowgirls. Sloper led No. 7 Crook County in scoring with 16 points in a 62-60 consolation semifinal win over No. 6 Wilsonville. Sloper is a strong rebounder on both ends. She has great hands on defense and great footwork inside on offense. The small forward creates for herself and consistently gets to the free-throw line. In her freshman season, Sloper led the Cowgirls in scoring, rebounding, and steals—averaging 18, 9.4, and 5 per game, respectively. She was named to the Intermountain Conference First Team. Crook County will face No. 4 Crater in the fourth-place game on Saturday morning.