Ava Smith
Taylin Smith of Beaverton, Oregon, battles Abby Graham of Portland, Oregon, in a one-on-one spotlight. *Photo by Chris Hansen.
VANCOUVER, Washington – It’s summer and while the set-up was a little this year, training camp was absolutely a great weekend of high-level competition in the gym. The first stop of the weekend was in Southwest Washington, just across the state line from Portland, Oregon.
As the post position evolves and fewer and fewer players are developing interior skills, it was a fantastic to have four interior players in the South sessions. Led by Cal Poly commit Faith Bergstrom, a 6-foot-3 post from Camas, Washington, the frontcourt play and competition not only made the forwards stronger, but helped the guards learn how to play with a good inside player.
Bergstrom was joined by Bobbi Clark of Cathlamet, Washington; and sisters Alison and Audrey Kantor of Portland, Oregon. Clark is a 2021 tweener by height but showed she’s a force on the inside with her strength and toughness. Alison Kantor, a 2022 prospect, is every bit of 6-3 and has the length to be a factor offensively and defensively. Audrey Kantor, a 2023 prospect, is nearly as tall as her sister and has a smooth way about her. She has the makings of the new school stretch forward/trail post.
Isabella Lund of Rochester, Washington, at the 2020
CMO Training Camp. *Photo by Chris Hansen.The energy on the perimeter was terrific as well, led by 2022 standout Abby Graham of Portland, Oregon. The work she’s put in to becoming a primary scorer jumps right out at you. Speaking of things that jump out at you, Taylin Smithof Beaverton, Oregon, put together a special weekend. Her passing and creating skills paired with her range really make guarding her a chore.
You can’t mention energy players and not bring up Isabella Lund of Rochester, Washington. The 2022 combo guards speed and competitiveness are a great combination. Mahaila Harrison of Vancouver, Washington is a versatile perimeter prospect to keep an eye on as well. The 5-10 prospect is really good at changing speeds and utilizing her length.
AROUND THE RIM
Ava Smith of Camas, Washington, is no stranger to these camps. Her skill set is razor sharp and her range keeps extending further behind the arc.
The hyper focus of Miranda Lomax of Cathlamet, Washington, makes her easy to coach. She picks up and adjusts quickly.
The duo of Cassie Kaufman of Olympia, Washington, and Kayla Kasubuchi of Oregon City, Oregon, bring power to the guard position. Both underclassmen are players to keep an eye on.
Alex Goetz of Okanogan, Washington, showed a lot of tools for a 2024 prospect who has yet to play a high school game. She has the speed and work ethic to be a two-way player at the guard position.
Jaydia Martin of Vancouver, Washington, is going to be a name to add to your 2021 list at the swing position. She locked in on Sunday, used her powerful frame, showed her athleticism and ability to play in the pinch or on the perimeter.
Maddie Willis of Brush Prairie, Washington, is a combo guard prospect who brought energy to her teammates and knocked down open shots to keep defenders honest.
Chris Hansen is managing editor of ProspectsNation.com and serves on the McDonald’s All-American and Naismith Trophy selection committees. He was a co-founder of and the national director of scouting for ESPN HoopGurlz from 2005 until 2012 and is the director of the Check Me Out Showcase and ELITE is EARNED events. He can be reached at chris@prospectsnation.com.
