Class of 2021: More on the Radar
The Class of 2021 is loaded and many of the top sophomores in the state are making big-time contributions for their teams as we go into the post-season. We have profiled many of these players (Nate Bittle, Ben Gregg, Nathan…
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Continue ReadingThe Class of 2021 is loaded and many of the top sophomores in the state are making big-time contributions for their teams as we go into the post-season. We have profiled many of these players (Nate Bittle, Ben Gregg, Nathan Rawlins-Kibonge, Wayne McKinney, Darius Gakwasi, Kamron Robinson), but there are several others in the class who will be vital towards their individual school’s success in the playoffs. Here’s a quick look (player’s ranking in the PrepHoops Oregon Class of 2021 listed in parenthesis)
Damontae Burns, Parkrose (#8)
The 6-foot combo guard has always been able to score with his outside shot or his ability to create off the dribble, but Burns has been focused on leading an offense this season. He has successfully switched off at the point with Shawn Briggs for Parkrose and has also made a mark defensively with his quickness.
Drew Carter, Tigard (#9)
The 6-foot-2 guard is not only the sole underclassman getting serious playing time, Carter has also emerged as Tigard’s second-leading scorer after Stevie Schlabach. He has a picture perfect jumper and also the athleticism to take it to the basket and score at the rim.
Trace Salton, Lake Oswego (#10)
The 6-foot-4 forward missed the first part of the season due to injury but since coming back has immediately made an impact on what was already a very deep team. Salton has the size to battle down low but also the soft touch to score from the mid-range.
Braden Hudgins, Forest Grove (#12)
Whether he’s starting or coming off off the bench, Hudgins has provided offensive firepower whenever he’s on the floor. The 6-foot-4 wing is long and lanky, and he can bomb away from three or create for himself off the bounce.
Nic Boyd, La Salle (#13)
The 5-foot-10 point guard has started from day one and in addition to being able to knock down open threes, Boyd has a great feel for the game on when to score and when to set up his teammates.
Jonah Zeller, Catlin Gabel (#15)
The 6-foot-8 big man has the kind of size that’s unmatched at the 3A level. Zeller obviously has made a difference with his size and length on the boards and as a shot-blocker, but offensively he has a soft touch from the perimeter including a turn-around on the elbow that is seemingly automatic.
Elijah Munyan, Columbia Christian (#16)
Columbia Christian is obviously led by stud do-it-all sophomore Ben Gregg but he definitely has some help with the likes of Munyan, a 6-foot-1 guard who is an outstanding leaper. As athletic is Munyan is, he can also step out and hit the deep three.
Asher Krauel, Sherwood (#32)
As the season has gone along, the 6-foot guard has crawled into the starting lineup because of his ability to play both backcourt spots with ease. Krauel can knock down the open three but also operate at the point and find teammates for scores.
Nate Meithof, McNary (#NR)
The 6-foot-4 sophomore is long and athletic, can score by hitting from long range or taking it hard to the hole. Despite his youth he’s already being counted on for production by McNary and while he’s not currently ranked, you can be sure he’ll make the cut in the next version of rankings.
Others to keep an eye on include:
Josh Baugher, Santiam Christian (#11)
Jha-Barrie Portis, Southridge (#18)
Jaxon Rozewski, Toledo (#19)
Jude Ashpole, Gladstone (#21)
Mo Hartwich, Columbia Christian (#28)
Dane Erikstrup, Beaverton (#NR)
Mason Guerra, Westview (#NR)
Brandon Hopson, Roosevelt (#NR)