2021 Stock Risers

<p>Prep Hoops released an updated rankings of the class of 2021 prospects in NorCal. This is a deep class with good players who have hopes of finishing off their senior season this year. This rising group should be on the radar of college coaches D I, II, and III. They will be key contributors on their high school teams. </p> <p><em><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="947697" first="Jaden" last="Alexander"] 6’4 Small Forward/ Wing. St. Pats-St Vincent HS, Vallejo CA.</strong></em></p> <p><em><strong>Alexander</strong> </em>could be a big riser in NorCal. The athletic <em><strong>Alexander</strong> </em>was the leading scorer on his team with 19.6 per game, second in rebounds 7.9, and his durability showed while playing in 37 games. He’s a strong finisher in the open court, with good body control, and dunks. He can beat  the defender off the dribble on the perimeter with strong takes for finishes in the paint including a jumper. He’s worked a lot on his shooting form, and should have an improved jump shot. </p> <p><em><strong>Alex Huriak 6’11 Center Jesuit HS, Carmichael CA.</strong></em></p> <p>When I first saw <em><strong>Huriak</strong> </em>a couple of seasons ago, I put the project label on him. He’s made steady progress as a basketball player. He’s a big body, that takes up space in the middle, he’s still learning how to use his body inside, but he is more aggressive, and he’s a rim protector. He stays in the middle of the court in transition. He’s improved his footwork, and is attacking the rim more. He averaged 4.5 pts, and 4.8 rebounds last season, those numbers will go up. </p> <p><em><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1111522" first="Brandon" last="Fisher"] 6’6 Power Forward Sheldon HS, Sacramento CA.</strong></em></p> <p>This is the season for <em><strong>Fisher</strong> </em>to show off his game. The athletic forward has good hops, he just hasn’t been able to log heavy minutes playing on a deep team like Sheldon the last couple of seasons.<em><strong> Fisher</strong></em> is a bit undersized at the power forward, but he has a nice frame and is strong, he’ll grab rebounds at a high rate, block, and change shots. He’s a tough defender in the post. He goes up strong off two feet. His offense will have to improve. </p> <p><em><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="946912" first="Alonzo" last="Washington"] 6’5 Small Forward/Wing De La Salle HS, Concord CA</strong></em>.</p> <p><em><strong>Washington</strong> </em>is ready for a breakout season. He’ll get the opportunity to show off his versatile game for the Spartans. He’s a good all around player that was very effective scoring points in the post. He has good balance, and strength going after rebounds, and put backs. He’ll run the court, and is a scrappy defender. He has a decent outside game. He moves, and cuts to the basket, he can use his dribble to get by defenders for pull ups in the paint. He has hit open 3’s when left open.</p> <p><em><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="946921" first="Malik" last="Merchant"] 6’1 Point Guard, Berkeley HS, Berkeley CA.</strong></em></p> <p><em><strong>Merchant</strong> </em>is one of the top on ball defenders in NorCal in my opinion. He can be a disrupter from end to end. His speed, and lateral movement on the ball gives handlers fits, he’s aggressive and doesn’t pick up cheap fouls. He’s more of a scoring guard right now, with his improved shooting from the outside. He has good handles, and plays through contact on the drive. He can run the team in half court sets, and his passing is improved.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p>