Class of 2021 Rankings: New Top 5
The Class of 2021 rankings have been updated and there is plenty of movement throughout the entire list. This is particularly true at the top as some players leaving the state has given others the opportunity to float up to…
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Continue ReadingThe Class of 2021 rankings have been updated and there is plenty of movement throughout the entire list. This is particularly true at the top as some players leaving the state has given others the opportunity to float up to the top. Here’s a look at the brand new Top Five before we head into the start of the season in 2021.
#1 – Ben Gregg Ben Gregg 6'8" | SF Clackamas | 2021 #50 Nation OR (2021 Clackamas)
Key 2019-20 Statistics: 21.4 ppg, 9.4 rpg, 3.1 apg, 2.0 bpg, .387 3pt%
We have a new man at the top of the board and it’s not just by default. Sure, Nathan Bittle made the tough decision to leave Crater and head down to Prolific Prep in California but Gregg was more than worthy to take over the #1 spot. The all-around 6-foot-9 forward is a proven commodity, is coming off of First Team 6A All-State honors, and has spent the summer building strength and fine tuning his skills for what should be a monster senior season. The fact he was able to commit to Gonzaga was only the cherry on top. He could very well be considered the favorite to bring home Player of the Year honors this season.
#2 – Nathan Rawlins-Kibonge Nathan Rawlins-Kibonge 6'7" | PF Jefferson | 2021 #228 Nation OR (2021 Jefferson)
Key 2019-20 Statistics: 13.0 ppg, 12.6 rpg, 2.3 apg, 4.8 bpg, .617 fg%
The defending 6A Player of the Year, Rawlins-Kibonge was an easy choice for the number two spot. The 6-foot-7 post earned the honors much in part due to his presence on the defensive side of the ball as a shot-erasing menace in the paint. Also a rebounding force, he was a major reason why Jefferson was considered the favorite to win it all last year before the season was abruptly terminated. Having committed to Oklahoma for football with plans to still play hoops as well, there is a chance that Rawlins-Kibonge could be done with both in high school as he could enroll and head to Norman early.
#3 – Drew Carter Drew Carter 6'3" | SG Tigard | 2021 OR (2021 Tigard)
Key 2019-20 Statistics: 24.4 ppg, 5.5 rpg, 2.8 apg, 2.0 3pg
Like Gregg and Rawlins-Kibonge, Carter has already secured his college future as he’s committed to Colorado to not only play quarterback, but also shooting guard on the Buffaloes basketball team. While the gridiron will remain his main home at the college level, he should also make an impact in hoops. The 6-foot-3 guard ended up second in the state in scoring, a season in which he fully showcased his combination of shooting skill and athleticism. Carter has a great chance to repeat as Three Rivers League POY and is a 6A Player of the Year candidate as well.
#4 – Darius Gakwasi Darius Gakwasi 6'5" | SG Central Catholic | 2021 State OR (2021 Central Catholic)
Key 2019-20 Statistics: 16.3 ppg, 6.1 rpg, 4.0 apg, 1.8 spg, .446 3pt%
Yet another top five player to have already made his college destination known, the high-academic Gakwasi decided to take his talents to the Ivy League and Princeton. The versatile 6-foot-5 swingman is coming off a great junior campaign where he pretty much did it all on the basketball court for the Rams in helping them reach the state tournament. With a number of key seniors graduating, Central Catholic will look to Gakwasi for leadership once again in multiple areas and he should be more than up to the task.
#5 – Trace Salton Trace Salton 6'5" | SF Lake Oswego | 2021 State OR (2021 Lake Oswego)
Key 2019-20 Statistics: 13.7 ppg, 7.5 rpg, 1.8 apg
After an injury-plagued sophomore season, Salton came back strong and delivered as a junior. He utilized his strength and well-built 6-foot-5 body to dominate down low but also showed improved skills on the perimeter – where he’ll be utilized more at the college level. Salton is arguably the top uncommitted player in the state and is still evaluating his options as he enters his senior season. He’ll get some additional experience in the upcoming months as he’ll be playing with the USBA squad on the Grind Session.