Ethan Oetzel

Ethan Oetzel (6'5") is a junior wing/post at Albuquerque High School (NM) and a straight A honors student. He has already played two years of varsity. His first year was at Hamilton Boys’ High School in Hamilton, New Zealand. He grew up in New Zealand and learned to speak the Indigenous Māori language and play the international basketball game which includes a longer three-point line and 24-second shot clock. He was a role player his first year playing about 12 minutes a game, mostly as a 3 and D player. He shot 37% from three that year.

In 2023, Ethan moved to Albuquerque New Mexico for his sophomore year and played his second year of varsity at Albuquerque High School (NM He was born in Albuquerque but hadn’t lived there in 12 years, so it was a transition to different schools and a different type of game (no shot clock and a shorter 3). Through hard work he earned minutes throughout the year and by the end was the 1st or 2nd player off the bench. His role was primarily as a connector, and he hit the occasional 3 along with stronger interior D. He shot 37% from three again his sophomore year playing about 11 minutes per game (18 minutes in the final three games of the year during the state tournament). 

As a 2024 junior, he is a starter and has begun the season great. After three games, he is averaging 19 points, 7.7 RB, 3.3 blocks, 2 steals, 1 assist, and 0 TO. He is shooting 40% from three (3.3 makes a game) and 58 EFG%. His team is 2-1 and ranked 6th in state.