Super 6 – The Best of the Class of 2021
Following the state tournaments, Prep Hoops Oregon will be posting our updated rankings for all four high school classes. Our first 2021 rankings will be a Top 20 players to watch list until we get a chance to watch them play a little more this spring & summer. With that in mind, it’s quickly becoming obvious that this is the most talented class to come through the Beaver State in at least 10 years, with multiple players already garnering interest from high level D1 college programs.
In no particular order, we present the six players in the class of 2021 that have stood out this season for playoff caliber teams.
Nathan Bittle 6’8 Forward Crater HS
We first saw the talented Bittle at our Prep Hoops Top 250 Showcase last fall and it was quickly apparent that his ceiling is very high. Playing on a talented Crater team, Bittle earned all league honors after averaging nearly 9 points, 8 rebounds, and 3.6 blocks per game all while shooting 56% from the field and 40% from three point range. Bittle’s ability to shoot from range & a knack for challenging shots at the rim have colleges all over the west intrigued.
Drew Carter 6’2 Wing Tigard HS
A huge contributor as a freshman, averaging double figures playing for a Tigard team that plays tonight in the first round of the 6A playoffs. Carter has displayed a poise that is uncanny for a young player. Also the starting qb for the Tigers, the future is bright for this two sport stand out.
Darius Gakwasi 6’3 Wing Central Catholic HS
Another in a long line of Central Catholic hoopers, Gakwasi can stake the claim of making a bigger splash as a freshman than any of his brothers. With season averages of 13.5 points and 3 assists, Gakwasi is already garnering significant D1 college interest from a variety of west coast schools.
Ben Gregg 6’7 Forward Columbia Christian HS
Another skilled big man who has the ability to score inside as well as shoot it from deep, Gregg has help propel his Columbia Christian team to a 27-1 record and a #2 seed at the class 2A tournament. The son of a coach (his dad is the head women’s coach at Warner Pacific College), he displays a basketball IQ that reflects hours spent in the gym. As he continues to develop physically, look for his college recruiting to take off.
Wayne Mckinney 5’10 Guard Lake Oswego HS
This electric combo guard, has slowly seen his playing time and on court impact increase as the Lakers have progressed through the season. Don’t let his season averages of 8 points and 2 assists per game fool you, McKinney is a player to watch on both ends of the court that will have a huge impact on Lake Oswego’s post season success.
Rayven Turner 6’4 Wing Jefferson HS
Although Turner has seen most of his playing time on the Jefferson jv team, don’t believe for a minute that he wouldn’t be ready to step on deliver on the varsity stage. Long and athletic with a rapidly improving skill level and shot, Turner projects as the next high level player to come out of the Democrats program.