Moving up to the top spot in the Class of 2029 rankings is Hopkins-McGlothen and based on his freshman campaign, the proof was clearly in the pudding. The rising sophomore averaged 19.1 points and 3.1 assists while helping propel Benson to the 6A state tournament – thanks to his buzzer-beating 3 against Southridge in the Round of 16 – and the best is clearly yet to come. College programs are already getting on board as he’s picked up scholarship offers from Portland and San Francisco.

Hopkins-McGlothen has played much of the spring with the ball in his hands with PortlandBoyz Elite but with Benson he may be more off the ball, but is just as effective. The rising sophomore is simply a bucket however he’s playing, either knocking down jumpers off the catch-and-shoot (both mid-range and from deep) or using the dribble and creating for finshes around the basket often through contact. While scoring is his main goal with his Benson squad he doesn’t play selfishly and still looks for teammates. 21 points, 6 rebounds, and a couple of assists in the team’s last game at the Rose City Showcase, a win over Nelson.

Leading the way for PortlandBoyz Elite in the 16U Memorial Day Championships was Kendall Hopkins-McGlothen Kendall Hopkins-McGlothen 6'2" | SF/SG Benson | 2029 State OR , who would have been our pick as tournament MVP. In the final alone, he registered 19 points and 5 assists in playing just over half the game as he helped pace the team to an easy win and the title and his balance of superb three-level scoring and getting his teammates involved was indicative of how he played the entire weekend. The Benson freshman was recently placed at #1 in the most recent Class of 2029 rankings update.

When the game got closer, it was Hopkins-McGlothen that stepped up big. The Benson freshman made big play after big play down the stretch, whether it was getting the bucket himself or finding an open teammate, as the Portland Boyz Elite 16U nabbed another W. His lefty pull-up jumper is super smooth and his feel for the game is definitely advanced for his age.

MVP

Hopkins-McGlothen gets our MVP nod for leading his team to the state tournament & earning 1st team all conference. His buzzer beating three was the deciding points to knock top seed Southridge out of the playoffs & he followed that up with a monster quarterfinal performance to beat Clackamas. Along the way the smooth lefty impressed coaches & fans with his crafty scoring ability & his mature approach to the game. He already holds multiple D1 offers, look for that number to increase as he gets older.

Kendall Hopkins-McGlothen Kendall Hopkins-McGlothen 6'2" | SF/SG Benson | 2029 State OR is emerging as one of the state’s top underclassmen, showing impressive production and poise—especially for a freshman. He averaged 17.7 points per game and 3.3 assists during the tournament, highlighting his ability to impact the game in multiple ways. Offensively, Hopkins-McGlothen is a patient player with a polished feel. He uses step-through moves effectively, plays through contact, and consistently finds ways to score—whether it’s through his mid-range game, which is on point, or stepping out as a capable three-point shooter with a smooth-looking shot. He’s also a reliable free-throw shooter, making him a tough cover in late-game situations. His versatility stands out, as he can operate as a solid post option while also spacing the floor. On the glass, he’s a strong rebounder who creates second-chance opportunities, and defensively, he brings solid on-ball pressure. Add in his vocal leadership, competitive edge, and fearless mentality—he’s not afraid of anybody—and it’s clear he brings a winning presence every time he steps on the floor. With his skill set, toughness, and production at such a young age, Hopkins-McGlothen has high-level potential moving forward.

Hopkins-McGlothen continued to show why he’s considered one of the state’s top underclassmen, putting together a strong all-around performance with 12 points and 4 assists. He did a great job using step-through moves to navigate defenders and finish around the basket. Hopkins-McGlothen is also a solid rebounder, staying active on the glass and creating second-chance points for his team. What stands out most is his toughness—he’s not afraid of anybody on the floor, competing every possession while also showing good vision by setting up teammates.

Hopkins-McGlothen was a name that people inside the Oregon basketball community were aware of heading into March. Usually the chatter was, “I hear Benson has a good freshman.” His play over the last two weeks has made him a household name. Starting off with his buzzer beating three to knock out #1 seed Southridge in the round of 16, to his consistent play at the Chiles Center. McGlothen was the only freshman or sophomore to earn all tournament recognition (2nd team) & increased his recruiting profile, where he already holds a handful of D1 offers.

Hopkins-McGlothen is a patient, young player who already shows a well-rounded skill set. The freshman contributes as a solid rebounder and provides a reliable post option inside if neccesary. Offensively, he has a nice-looking shot, with the ability to step out and shoot from the perimeter, while also converting consistently at the free-throw line. With his versatility and poise at such a young age, Hopkins-McGlothen shows great long-term potential. Kendall had 16 points and 4 rebounds in tonight’s game.

Kendall Hopkins-McGlothen Kendall Hopkins-McGlothen 6'2" | SF/SG Benson | 2029 State OR delivered a standout performance, finishing with a team-high 25 points. A tough, competitive guard, he plays through contact and consistently pressured the defense. His mid-range game was on point, and he also showed the ability to knock down shots from three while converting at the free-throw line. Hopkins-McGlothen competed on the defensive end as a solid on-ball defender and brings energy as a vocal leader who thrives in the heat of competition.