Week Three More Top Performers

<p>Week 3 of the 2021 basketball season is in the books and we had the priviledge of watching several games in person. Here’s a look at some more of the top performers we saw.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="855926" first="Nathan" last="Meithof"] (2021 McNary)</strong></p> <p>In a blowout win over North Salem, Meithof fought through some tough foul calls and still put up some good numbers in 18 points on 8-for-13 shooting and five rebounds. The 6-foot-5 Westmont College commit was able to get loose on the break and throw down a couple of impressive dunks. Meithof is the focus of opposing teams every night yet he consistently delivers.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="746290" first="Brandon" last="Hopson"] (2021 Jefferson)</strong></p> <p>Hopson has emerged as Jefferson’s third option on offense and he’s adjusted to being available on kickouts from either Washington or Cook. When the three isn’t falling, he’s been able to create off the dribble and either score around the basket or off floaters in the lane. Hopson also did a good job handling the ball without turning it over.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="861087" first="Esyah" last="Pippa-White"] (2023 Gresham)</strong></p> <p>Pippa-White has been heavily counted upon for scoring and that was once again the case against David Douglas. The 6-foot-2 guard knocked down some deep jumpers but also used his improved strength to create and finish around the hoop. While the Gophers dropped the game, Pippa-White finished with a game-high 30 points.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1210885" first="Finn" last="O’Drane"] (2021 McDaniel)</strong></p> <p>O’Drane was more of a post guy on last year’s Madison team but this season he’s been able to showcase more range with his game. The 6-foot-4 senior showed he could hit perimeter shots against both Jefferson and Madison, as well as create a little off the dribble and finish around the hoop. O’Drane is long, rangy, and plays with a good motor and could be a nice late NWAC pickup.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="861096" first="Kavon" last="Bradford"] (2023 Benson)</strong></p> <p>Bradford didn’t have the huge offensive nights we’ve become accustomed to seeing but there’s one thing the 6-foot-2 guard consistently proves is that he could be the best inch-for-inch rebounder in the state. The sophomore is extremely quick off his feet and really has a knack for getting offensive rebounds. The lefty had a bit more success with his scoring against Madison than Jefferson, going mostly to his mid-range game.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="861086" first="Dylan" last="Douangphrachanh"] (2024 Benson)</strong></p> <p>We’ve been excited about seeing Douangphrachanh in person and we liked his potential. At 6-foot-4, he’s got good height for a wing and has the best perimeter stroke out of any freshman we’ve seen so far. Douangphrachanh will undoubtedly need to improve his strength and confidence in the paint but he hit some big shots in both games and has a high ceiling.</p> <p><strong>Jabol Balos (2023 McNary)</strong></p> <p>After [player_tooltip player_id="855926" first="Nathan" last="Meithof"] graduates some younger players will need to step up for McNary and Balos may be one to watch. The 5-foot-9 guard is very quick and shifty and knows how to get to the basket and finish. The sophomore essentially ran circles around North Salem defenders on his way to the hoop and he showed the ability to hit some perimeter jumpers as well.</p>