Updated 2021 Rankings: Newcomers

<p>Our Class of 2021 rankings have been updated and there were definitely some notes and game film to go over in order to make our best placements for now. We saw quite a few players make their debuts in the rankings in this iteration and here’s a closer look at the top newcomers.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="942244" first="Keshawn" last="Hall"], Jefferson - #12 Ranking</strong></p> <p>Hall was a bit of an oversight in the rankings at the beginning of the year but to be honest, going into the season we weren’t completely sure he would be at Jefferson (much less what class he would be put into) having moved here from Las Vegas. That said, when he got on the basketball floor it became official - and clear that he was one of the top players in the entire class. A tough lefty to can really create off the dribble, finish at the cup and has an improving perimeter jumper, the 6-foot Hall was one of five Jefferson players to average double figures scoring. He’s already started to gather Division I recruiting interest.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="942245" first="James" last="Lang"], Jesuit - #39 Ranking</strong></p> <p>We remember seeing Lang in summer league and in the fall and were impressed with his ability to shoot and score. But given his lithe frame at 6-foot, we figured he would make varsity but didn’t think he would play much. Boy did we figure wrong. Lang not only played a lot, he started and ended up leading the Crusaders in scoring. Lang has a soft touch but he’s far from just a standstill shooter as he can also knock down pull-ups and take it to the hoop.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="965073" first="Damon" last="Erickson"], Clackamas - #43 Ranking</strong></p> <p>Clackamas was certainly led by star [player_tooltip player_id="606247" first="Ben" last="Gregg"] but the Cavs certainly got contributions from other players, notably Erickson. The 6-foot-4 wing in particular can shoot and score the ball, capable of coming off screens for buckets or creating off of the dribble. The key for Erickson will continue to be developing consistency.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="965070" first="Charles" last="Willmott"], OES - #58 Ranking</strong></p> <p>Our first look at Willmott this season was a game in which he knocked down five threes including a game-winner in a thrilling win at home over Riverdale. All the 6-foot-1 combo guard did from there was help lead OES to the 4A state title and earn First Team All-State honors. Willmott, a high-academic student, specializes in the catch-and-shoot but can also create off the dribble.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="965071" first="Carson" last="Molan"], Cascade - #59 Ranking</strong></p> <p>We clearly should have gotten Molan ranked as we did see him last summer with Hoop Salem’s 16U squad and we had noted he was a nice looking wing with size at 6-foot-4. Molan continued making his mark at the 4A level this season at Cascade. He shoots it well with range, can create off the dribble, and has a good motor. He ended up earning Oregon West Conference POY honors.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="965080" first="TJ" last="Zimmerman"], West Albany - #68 Ranking</strong></p> <p>We’ll be honest, we often struggle with ranking guys that project to playing football-only at the next level and that appears to be the path with Zimmerman. But there’s no question that the 6-foot-4 post can play some serious hoops. He’s a load down on the block but has a nice touch on his face-up shot. Zimmerman was one of the top rebounders (8.0 rpg) in 5A as well.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="965072" first="Ryan" last="Lewis"], Clackamas - #72 Ranking</strong></p> <p>Another one of the supporting cast at Clackamas, Lewis ended up as the team’s second-leading scorer at just over 11 points per game. At 6-foot-2, he’s a little undersized as a forward but he works extremely hard around the basket and specializes in hitting the offensive glass. Lewis showed the ability to step away and knock down open threes.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="965078" first="Eli" last="Mesulam"], Cleveland - #76 Ranking</strong></p> <p>Cleveland was the story in the PIL this season and Mesulam had a big part in the rise of the Warriors. We had seen the 5-foot-10 in open gym in the fall and it was clear he was a hard-nosed and fearless competitor. What we didn’t know was how well he could shoot the ball and this past season he led 6A in three-point shooting percentage (.533).</p>