Prospect Spotlight: Luke Rankin (2021)
Many Iowa high school sophomores are having breakout 2018-19 seasons, Dallas Center-Grimes guard Luke Rankin is one of the tops on that list.
We got a chance to see the small but lengthy guard this past summer at the Grand View Team Camp, he was impressive. Even we couldn’t predict the amount of success he’d have early in his sophomore season.
Eight games into the season, Rankin is averaging 15.1 points, 3.0 assists and 1.5 steals per game. He credits his competitiveness and determination as driving factors for his success.
“I think one of the things I try and do every time I’m on the court is to be the most intense and the most competitive. I pride myself on being the person that wants to win the most,” said Rankin. “I think I can shoot the three pretty well and distribute to others. I’ve recently gotten a lot better at finishing at the rim as well.”
The young Mustangs are currently 3-5 as they head into their Winter Break. They did get a nice win over Pella Christian, 47-45, just before the break.
“I knew at the beginning of the year we were gonna struggle a little with the little experience we brought back, but I think overall we’ve been playing well,” said Rankin.
“We’re pretty young this season, which allows me to take control more than I thought I would at the beginning of the year. And we also have a bunch of young talent starting with Cole (Glasgow). He’s starting to find his rhythm and is gonna be really good in the future, as well as a number of other kids.”
A coach’s son, Rankin has the fundamentals of the game down pat. He says growing up around basketball has helped him thrive.
“I think watching all the practices and growing up with the team it makes it a lot easier to play. My dad’s also coached me all my life so I know what he expects from me,” said Rankin.
As his individual game continues to evolve, Rankin is staying focused on his ultimate goal: Wells Fargo Arena.
“My goals for the next year are to just improve my game and my teammates as well,” said Rankin. “And my main goal is to get to Wells Fargo for state, whether that be this year or in the coming years.”