Recruiting Report: Canyon Hopkins (2016)

<h2>November 23, 2015</h2><p>Earlham big-man <strong>Canyon Hopkins</strong> had a very nice junior season last winter with the Cardinals, and projects to be one of 2A state’s this season.</p> <p>A versatile post, who has honed his skills around the perimeter, Hopkins can beat you in more ways than one, a trait that has been noticed by area Division III and NAIA programs.</p> <p>“I have received an offer from Briar Cliff University, and the schools that are showing me the most interest at the moment are Buena Vista, Central, and Briar Cliff,” said Hopkins, who has visited some of the interested schools.</p> <p>“I have taken visits to Wayne State, Briar Cliff, Northwest Missouri State, Central and Buena Vista. As of right now, I am taking a break from visits. The only visits I will be doing is to go watch some games.”</p> <p><br /> Hopkins added: “Whatever school I choose I want to make sure it is a good fit academically, socially, and athletically”</p> <p>The 6-foot-4 forward has been working over the last two seasons to develop his ball-handling and shooting, and while playing with All Iowa Attack last summer he continued to develop his guard skills.</p> <p>“The things I worked on was still trying to become a better shooter, attacking the basket, and my defense. I felt like I became a lot better shooter and attacking the rim,” said Hopkins. “I still need to work on my foot speed so I can guard quick guards, and just becoming more athletic.”</p> <p>Hopkins will once again be the leader of an Earlham team that was a state tournament qualifier last season.</p> <p>“With a lot of guards graduating last year and having young big guys, I will be more of a three of four this year instead of a five,” he said. “You will see me on the perimeter a little more this year. Our team goal this year is to get back to state, so my personal goal is to do whatever I have to do to make that happen. Whatever things come along with that is great, but state is the main focus.”</p> <h2>March 12, 2015</h2><p>When you’re 6-foot-5 with a thick frame, can put the ball on the floor and hit from mid-range, it’s safe to say you are a mismatch in Iowa at the 1A level -- that’s something that Earlham junior <strong>Canyon Hopkins</strong> has learned to exploit.</p> <p>Hopkins scored 16 points while grabbing 10 rebounds and dishing out four assists in Earlham’s 1A quarterfinal win at the state tournament Monday afternoon, and was the ultimate mismatch on the floor for the Cardinals.</p> <p>“I like to cause mismatches, it doesn&#39;t matter if they have a bigger post guarding me then I’ll put it on the floor a little bit, or if they have a little smaller guy then I’ll just take him on the block and score that way,” said Hopkins, who’s aware of what improvements he needs to make to become an elite player.</p> <p>“I think I need a little more athleticism, of course that always helps. And then I want to improve my 3-point shot a little bit and knocking that down more consistently I guess.”</p> <p>Last offseason, Hopkins played his grassroots ball with All Iowa Attack Nike’s 16U and says he’ll do the same this summer.</p> <p>“With All Iowa Attack I’m more of a small forward than a power forward so that’s what I’m kind of looking to become in the future is more of a small forward.”</p> <p>“I’m just hoping to grab some attention a little bit and get some colleges looking at me, maybe grab a scholarship or two that would be nice.”</p> <p>Right now Hopkins has initial interest from Division II University of Mary and Division III Luther.</p>