2021 Rankings Update: Fresh Faces
There are a number of guys who made their debut in the Class of 2021 rankings. Granted, the last time we had the rankings updated it was in the middle of the 2018-19 season so a lot has happened since…
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Continue ReadingThere are a number of guys who made their debut in the Class of 2021 rankings. Granted, the last time we had the rankings updated it was in the middle of the 2018-19 season so a lot has happened since then. But there’s no question a number of new players made their mark this spring and summer enough to make an entrance in the updated list.
Here’s a look at the notable newcomers near the top of the heap:
Nate Meithof (2021 McNary) – #9
Meithof actually had a fantastic sophomore campaign where he averaged a team-high 16.2 points. The 6-foot-3 junior is an all-around scorer, a crafty lefty able to break down opponents off the dribble while also capable of pulling up and knocking down threes. He had some big-time games playing at the 16U level and has started to generate some mid-major Division I recruiting interest.
Keyshawn Hall (2021 Jefferson) – #10
Hall has played his high school career so far in Las Vegas, but has long had ties to the Portland area since that’s where his father works and lives. The 6-foot guard has played the past two summers with the Rose City Rebels and will make the move to the Rose City for 2019-20. Hall is quick on both ends of the floor, and the lefty the master of the EuroStep to the basket. He should step into a prominent role right away on a deep Jefferson team.
Nick Zuro (2021 South Salem) – #12
When an athletic 6-foot-7 guy steps on the floor, you’re bound to notice. That’s what happened with Zuro suited up with South Salem in June and he impressed all observers with not only his athleticism but his skill set. Another lefty on our newcomers list, he spent the past couple of years across the country in different places but is actually an Oregon native and is back here to stay. The Saxons are reloading this year but Zuro will sure make things easier.
Dane Erikstrup (2021 Beaverton) – #13
Another big man that emerged his sophomore season is Erikstrup, who despite battling back injuries really started to make a name for himself this summer. The 6-foot-9 and possibly still growing post runs the floor well, posts up strong where he can finish with either hand, and can also step out and knock down open jumpers. Erikstrup is a dual citizen of Denmark and will be trying out for their youth team as well.
Brandon Hopson (2021 Roosevelt) – #14
Roosevelt has a deep roster and Hopson largely fit in with the Roughriders as a sophomore. But this summer playing with Maeko’s 16U squad, the 6-foot junior really exploded as a scoring threat, capable of getting super hot from three-point range. Some colleges have started tracking Hopson, who continues to develop his overall skills as a point guard – the position he’ll play at the next level.
Luke Smith (2021 Willamette) – #15
Smith’s emergence onto the radar probably really happened at the 5A state tournament when he came off the bench and poured in 17 points in an upset win over defending champs Thurston. The 6-foot-1 combo guard uses strength and skill to get buckets and has a very smooth shooting touch from the perimeter. No longer a sleeper, Smith will now be counted on in a leading role for Willamette this upcomign season.
Jalen Grable (2021 Westview) – #17
We remember seeing Grable play late in the year for Westview, but he largely blended in. This summer, the 6-foot-3 swingman started coming into his own. He announced his arrival playing with the Wildcats in June, with high-flying finishes at the rim becoming a regular occurrence. There’s still a lot to learn for the junior especially as he takes on a bigger role, but there’s no question he has some raw tools to work with.