2023-24 Mt. Hood Conference boys basketball players to watch

Published 3:00 am Friday, November 24, 2023

With Mt. Hood Conference basketball hitting the court, here are the top local 6A boys to keep an eye on for the 2023-24 season:

Jalen Atkins, junior guard, Barlow

What more can you say about Atkins? The reigning Mt. Hood Conference player of the year has more than lived up to the hype surrounding him since his freshman season. Now in his third campaign leading the Bruins, the question will be if he can make another leap. He is a talented, three-level scorer with a knack for scoring clutch buckets late in possessions. In the 2022-23 season he averaged a team-high 24 points per game. Atkins is the primary ball handler, a premiere three-point shooter, and a capable defender not afraid to mix it up on rebounds. The goals are lofty — improving on last season’s 25-5 record and semifinals appearance — but it’s hard to blame the Bruins for such an optimistic outlook with Atkins on the court.

Renaldo “RJ” Alexander, senior guard, Gresham

After playing behind the talented graduated duo of Esyah Pippa-White and Scotty Riddle, Alexander is ready to take the reins for the Gophers. The prototypical “3-and-D” mold, he has a beautiful stroke from deep and is an aggressive defender who can be unleashed on opponents best players. Last year he got second-team all-conference honors amidst a crowded backcourt. With a bit more space, and the spotlight, Alexander should rise to the occasion.

Marcos Ramirez, senior point guard, Sandy

For years the Mt. Hood Conference has been all about talented backcourt play, and the Pioneers return one of the best. A true point guard in every sense, Ramirez, who was named to the second-team last season, may be the best pure passer in the region. He is fast, strong on ball, and has that sense of when to get his teammates involved. Athleticism is the word for this Sandy team, and it will be stoked by Ramirez all season.

Mason Bierbrauer, junior forward, Barlow

Another first-team returner for the Bruins, Bierbrauer is the perfect running mate for Atkins. The 6-foot-5 forward is a talent in the paint. He has quick feet, a nose for hauling in rebounds and the ability to uncork ferocious dunks. Bierbrauer averaged 14.5 points per game for the Bruins last year, and isn’t afraid to knock down 3-pointers of his own.

Eddie Szabatin, sophomore post, Reynolds

With a season under his belt, Szabatin will be a key component for a Reynolds program looking to build. The youngster is a towering presence in the paint, with the strength to avoid getting pushed around. As a freshman his defense shined, with multiple blocks each game and strong rebounding. As his offensive skillset grows, the Raiders should look to him as an early option in halfcourt sets.

Jacob Brown, junior post, Sandy

Another strong player in the paint, Brown will pair with his point guard for a dangerous pick-and-roll attack. He can slot into the paint with a bevy of post moves, and has length and the stability to avoid getting pushed around on defense. A cerebral player with varsity experience, Brown should build on last year’s honorable mention.

Nate Gilkey, senior center, Gresham

Gilkey is the tallest player on this list, and boy does he play like it. When you watch a Gophers game you can’t look away if he is on the court, because there is always the possibility of a highlight reel dunk. The 6-foot-7 center is a rebounder and defender, and has more to his offensive arsenal than rim-rattlers. If he can find ways to avoid foul trouble, he should be one of the stars for Gresham.

Brayden Barron, junior forward, Barlow

If Coach Tom Johnson calls you a “high flying athlete,” you know there is something special to behold. Barron is one of the most improved players for the Bruins, and should step into an important rotation role. He brings some much-needed rebounding, and can fill gaps defensively.

Carson Reilley, senior wing, Sandy

One of those do-everything, gadget type players. Reilley is a strong defender — his length and athleticism allows him to jump passing lanes with ease. He has the height to compete down in the paint, but is most comfortable running the offense as a secondary option, freeing up Ramos to work his way around the court.