10 Names to Watch in 2021
It is very, very early in the high school careers of the Class of 2021. Most won’t even suit up in their first high school game until late November. But the class does appear to have some major firepower and a lot of talented players who could develop to be college prospects down the road. Here’s a look at ten names you may want to keep an eye on in this class over the next 4 years.
Zion Harmon (Adair County) – Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the last few years, you’ve heard of Zion. He was a major part of the state championship team at Bowling Green last season and won a gold medal with the Team USA U-16 team this summer. Many wonder if he will spend his entire high school career in the Commonwealth. My advice would be to stop worrying and enjoy him while he’s around. Harmon already holds several high major offers.
Trey James (Sheldon Clark) – Legitimately 6’11” and looking like a high major D1 recruit, James is going to be a fixture in Kentucky for the next several seasons. Trey has made a name for himself nationally by performing well at the Crossroads Elite Camp and the CP3 Rising Stars Camp.
Scotty Draud (Beechwood) – A sharpshooting wing from northern Kentucky, Draud is the son of former Vanderbilt Commodore Scott Draud. Already 6’4 and a big time scorer, Draud could be a big time D1 prospect with continued growth and skill development.
Ben Johnson (Lexington Catholic) – Ben’s older brothers both signed D1 in recent years and Ben looks to be the best of the three. Johnson is likely to be starting at shooting guard for the Knights this year even though his natural position is on the point.
Darius Washington (Fern Creek) – Washington is a big time prospect. Already 6’6 and possessing wing skills, Washington could be a high major type college prospect if he develops and gets his motor running at all times. Coach James Schooler should help with that.
DeAjuan Stepp (West Jessamine) – Stepp started for the Colts as an 8th grader and will almost surely be a 5 year starter for Coach Damon Kelly. Stepp is skilled and possesses a big time motor. He plays with a chip on his shoulder and I mean that in a good way.
TJ Toney (North Bullitt) – A big time scorer who has played up a grade level in AAU for most of his life, Toney is capable of putting up major scoring numbers. TJ can score at all 3 levels and does it efficiently. He still needs to evolve as a playmaker for his teammates and improve on the defensive end, but Tony is certainly a potential top 5 player in the class.
Jared Wellman (Clark County) – After averaging 17 points per game as an 8th grader last season, Wellman moved to Winchester and will more than likely be able to develop other aspects of his game instead of having to carry the scoring load. Jared is a very good shooter and has a good motor. By the time he becomes an upperclassman at GRC, Wellman should be a top 10 player in the state.
KJ Crump (University Heights) – Crump is a small point guard but he reminds of a young Tray Hollowell. Capable of scoring at all 3 levels, Crump uses his quickness and elite ball handling to get past defenders and get to the rim. KJ uses his step back jumper to create space. If he can reach 6’2″ or bigger, Crump will be a no doubt D1 prospect.
Jake Whitlock (Spencer County) – Another point guard, Whitlock will be another 5 year varsity starter. Jake’s biggest strengths are his high basketball IQ and his shooting ability. Whitlock will certainly need to add strength as he ages but if he can add a couple of inches in height and continue to improve his quickness, he will have plenty of college options by the time he finishes high school.