Buckets in the 503

In this episode of Buckets in the 503, we sit down with a parent reflecting on their son’s journey — from youth leagues and long road trips to his first year as a college freshman.

It’s about more than basketball — it’s about growth, sacrifice, and watching your kid chase a dream one step at a time.

🎙️ Tune in for real stories, real emotion, and the heart behind every player’s journey.

The Spotlight Invitational was 🔥 — packed gyms, big-time performances, and Oregon hoopers stepping into the spotlight. In our recap episode of Buckets in the 503, we break it all down — the atmosphere, the standout players, the sleepers, and what it all means heading into the 2025–26 season.

Catch the full recap now — only on Buckets in the 503

In this episode, we sit down with some of the top talent at the Spotlight Invitational and let the players tell their own stories. Listen as they reveal:

• 🏀 Their NBA comparisons – who they model their game after
• 📅 The games they have circled on their high school calendar this season
• 👀 Which teammate is a sleeper ready to break out this year
• 🔦 How the Spotlight Invitational helps their game and prepares them for the season ahead

Featured Players:

• Sebastian Larsen – Centennial
• Isaac Bongen – Central Catholic
• Jaxson Lawson – Canby
• Darius Andrew – Centennial
• Liam Rigney – Lake Oswego
• Tko Westbrook – South Salem
• Muhammed Carter – Ida B. Wells
• Elijah Thompson – Southridge
• Rigdhen Khyungra – La Salle
• Kahllel Jackson – Jefferson
• Carter Lockhart – Nelson
• Maddox Young – Barlow
• Jamela Baker – Centennial
• Rocco Ebenal – Sunset

This week on Buckets in the 503, we flip the script and hear the dad’s side of the basketball journey — transfers, recruiting, and what it’s like watching your kid grind on the biggest stages. Guest Corey Lockhart father of Carter Lockhart 2028 #1 player in Oregon. Corey is also a former coach at West Linn, Park Rose and Gresham High School.

In this episode of Buckets in the 503, we dive into one of the hottest topics in Oregon high school basketball: player transfers. From powerhouse programs to small-town gyms, transfers are shaping the landscape of hoops across the state. But what does it mean for players, teams, and the community?

• Transfers are part of the new normal in Oregon high school hoops.
• Every decision has trade-offs — success depends on preparation and fit.
• Final thought: “The jersey might change, but the grind stays the same.”

“This week on Buckets in the 503, we dive deep into AAU basketball and the college recruiting grind. From the importance of exposure and highlight reels to the role of academics, social media, and NIL, our guestKumbeno Memory breaks down what Oregon hoopers need to know to take their game to the next level.”

The highlight of the show is a special interview with Coach Sean Kelly of La Salle Prep, fresh off guiding his team to the 5A State Championship. Coach Kelly shares his insight on:

• The journey to winning the title and the toughest challenges along the way.
• Building a championship culture at La Salle Prep.
• How his program integrates new players, including the impact of transfers moving from 6A to 5A leagues.
• His thoughts on the evolving landscape of Oregon high school basketball.

The conversation goes beyond X’s and O’s — Coach Kelly offers perspective on leadership, community, and what it means to guide young athletes in today’s competitive environment.

Intro

• Meet your hosts: Ne’Juan Thompson & Curtis Williams
• Quick rundown of what listeners can expect from the show

Season Recap

• Highlights and storylines from the 2024–25 Oregon high school basketball season
• Standout players, teams, and memorable games

Featured Interview (14:44 mark)

• Guest: Tom Johnson
• Insights, experiences, and perspective on Oregon high school hoops

Wrap Up

• Key takeaways from the episode
• Tease what’s coming next on Buckets in the 503