Jackson Shelstad, four-star Oregon commit, drops 43 points in front of Dana Altman at Les Schwab Invitational
HILLSBORO, Ore. — In a showcase that pits Oregon high school basketball's best against national powers, hometown star Jackson Shelstad gave fans quite a show Wednesday — all in front of his future coach, Dana Altman.
The four-star Oregon commit scored a tournament-high 43 points as West Linn was pushed to overtime and escaped with a 73-69 win over defending Oregon 6A champion Tualatin in the Les Schwab Invitational quarterfinals.
Altman, University of Oregon's head coach, watched courtside and shared a moment after the final horn with his top in-state 2023 commit.
Oregon five-star pledge Mookie Cook, who played two seasons at Jefferson before transferring to AZ Compass Prep, was also in attendance and greeted Shelstad after the game.
Shelstad, ESPN's No. 46 ranked prospect in the country, said he's in daily contact with Altman and knew he would be in attendance Wednesday at Liberty High School.
"It doesn't really change much for me; I still try and play my game," Shelstad said. "I'm glad he got to come out and watch, but I still try to just play my game.
"He told me he thought I played a good game."
Shelstad is the state of Oregon's top prospect and the leader of what is widely regarded as the best team in the state. He made 14 of 22 field goal attempts, went 5 of 10 from 3-point range, made all 10 free throw attempts and added eight rebounds.
He hit two free throws with 29 seconds left to tie the score at 62-62. Tualatin's Josiah Lake got off a clean look at a game-winning 3-point attempt as the regulation buzzer expired, but it rimmed off.
In overtime, Shelstad took over. He hit two 3s and key free throws to seal the win for the Lions, who advance to the semifinals and will play the winner of Sierra Canyon and Central Catholic.
"We just want to put out a good look for West Linn basketball and show the state what we're about against national teams as well," Shelstad said.
The Lions (8-0) were knocked out of the OSAA 6A state semifinals last season by Tualatin (6-3), the now-defending champion.
