2021 Rankings Update: Stock Risers
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The Class of 2021 is deep with talent and there are a number of juniors who will be stepping into bigger roles this upcoming season. All of them were on varsity squad last season, but if their teams are to…
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Continue ReadingThe Class of 2021 is deep with talent and there are a number of juniors who will be stepping into bigger roles this upcoming season. All of them were on varsity squad last season, but if their teams are to reach their potential these guys will need to settle into more leading roles with their schools. Here’s a look at the top-ranked guys who are primed to be stock risers this season.
Trace Salton (2021 Lake Oswego) – #8
A large senior class and star guard Wayne McKinney moves on from Lake Oswego, meaning some new guys will need to become more prominent for the Lakers. Enter Salton. The 6-foot-5 forward showed signs of becoming a factor last season when he got up to speed after missing the first part of the year recovering from surgery. Salton had a big spring and summer with the Rose City Rebels and his ability to score both inside and out will be invaluable for LO’s offense this year.
Luke Smith (2021 Willamette) – #15
Smith came out of the shadows in the 5A state tournament when he came off the bench and poured in points from the perimeter. Now the 6-foot guard will be thrust into a leading role as Willamette had a ton of graduation losses. The well-built junior can score in multiple ways, whether it’s using his soft touch from deep or utilizing his strong body to create and finish in the lane. Smith was impressive this summer especially at Oregon Team Camp.
Jalen Grable and Brady Grier (2021 Westview) – #17 and #18
Both Grable and Grier saw some time last year for the Wildcats as Grable started and Grier was one of the first guys off the bench. But if Westview is to challenge for the Metro League title, both will need to amp up their production in all areas of the court. Grable is one of the top athletes in the Metro League and Grier has the ability to score outside going in and with both measuring about 6-foot-4, have size to contend with defensively for opponents.
Roy Bunn (2021 Jesuit) – #21
The defending champs lose a lot but return some key guys – notably Bunn, who was a capable backcourt reserve last season. The 5-foot-9 point guard came up big in big games – including the 6A finals with some key plays in clutch situations. Bunn will now be one of the Crusaders main guys at the point and he flashed some of his potential dominence in June summer league, using his quick first step to create off the dribble.
Jha-Barrie Portis (2021 Southridge) – #23
Portis was a solid reserve last season on a senior-laden squad. This year, the 6-foot-1 combo guard is ready to move into a leading role. He will continue to provide plenty of energy on the defensive end but his improvement with his jump shot and overall offensive game should make him more of an offensive threat. The Skyhawks are hoping to sneak up on some people in the Metro League and Portis will be a big part of that.