Ohio 2021 Rankings Update: Stock-Risers
We’re describing yesterday’s update of the 2021 Prospect Rankings with the calling card of “subtle changes.” But, that’s not to say that nobody vaulted up the charts. Based on the couple of showcases we went to and other forms of…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingWe’re describing yesterday’s update of the 2021 Prospect Rankings with the calling card of “subtle changes.” But, that’s not to say that nobody vaulted up the charts. Based on the couple of showcases we went to and other forms of research, there are five significant stock-risers to discuss!
(10 → 3) Kalen Etzler, 6’8” F, Convoy Crestview
Etzler has a lot going for him. Barring injury, we don’t see a path where he doesn’t land at a high-major program. He has legitimate height and athleticism, allowing him to defend a wide range of players and score from just about everywhere. He also knows how to play. Shoot, he might be the first or second best player in this class when it’s all said and done — there’s at least a chance.
So, what are the critiques? What would hold him back from continuing his ascension? Hard to say! Considering his injury-riddled freshman season, health is a concern. It would also be ideal if Etzler packed on pounds to his thin frame, but that seems inevitable with age. Also, Etzler doesn’t have a dynamic handle in short spaces. Then again, he’s a four.
Bottom line: Along with Seth Wilson and Meechie Johnson, Etzler appears to be the only other surefire mainstay in 2021’s top five.
(59 → 22) Aidan Noyes, 6’4” W, Moeller
Noyes is the best prospect in Ohio you’re not going to hear about for another eight months or so. Given Moeller’s tendency to favor upperclassmen, he’s super unlikely to crack their varsity rotation. Yet, Noyes possesses natural athleticism and scoring ability that has already started to excite D-I programs at open gyms. He can create highlights in transition but watch out for him as he continues to learn how to score in the halfcourt.
(46 → 31) Henry Raynor, 6’6” F, St. Ignatius
Raynor is a skilled face-up four. Dexterous athlete who can set himself up for a post move off the dribble or score on straight-line drives in traffic. It won’t be too much longer until college programs are made aware of the name as Raynor will likely play a legitimate role at a perennial Division I power in NEO. Further, we’re already excited about the potential of a high-low post connection between Raynor and 6’9” senior Kevin Davet.
(56 → 45) Kaden Warner, 5’10” G, Gamble
As Prep Hoops Ohio writer Dusty Wright remarked on the website recently, Warner’s “IQ is starting to catch up with his talent which spells trouble for the rest of [Cincinnati].” It’s an excellent way to put it. Warner is a twitchy athlete with quickness off the dribble and a 3-point shooting threat that keeps the defense honest on the perimeter. Therefore, Warner is going to go to a new level once he consistently recognizes opportunities to facilitate as a penetrator and becomes more savvy as a second-level scorer.
(65 → 56) Darius Parham, 6’2” W, Bishop Ready
You can’t tell everything about a player from a showcase. However, it’s pretty clear that Parham has made improvements to his body in the short time between summer and fall. Also, he showed flashes of becoming a better decision-maker when we caught him last month. If he can cut down on turnovers and build athleticism through physical conditioning, Parham will become very appealing to D-II programs as a power guard with playmaking ability.