2021 Rankings Update: The Top 5
The 2021 class is a month removed from their freshmen seasons at the high school level and many are headed into their first AAU season as recruit-able athletes. The two names at the top of our list are pretty well known across the state while others in the top ten are lesser known but should be very well known by their junior and senior classes. Here’s a look at the top five players in our 2021 rankings:
Zion Harmon, Adair County – One of the most hyped prospects in state history, Harmon is an elite level scorer and big time passer. Zion already holds several high major offers from schools and he has been mentioned several times as likely to reclassify into the 2020 class before graduation. A reclass makes sense as Zion is older for a 2021 prospect. Harmon will be playing 17u EYBL again this season but made the switch from Boo Williams to Bluff City (formerly Team Penny) and will play alongside one of the top 2019 players in the country in James Wiseman.
Trey James, Sheldon Clark – The biggest prospect in 2021 based on sheer size, James is strong and skilled around the rim but still working to improve his game outside of the paint. Trey is a good 2 handed rebounder and excels at shot blocking for Sheldon Clark. The big fella had multiple triple doubles this season for his high school team. James faces a tall task this summer as he will play up two age groups with the 17u Manimal Team on the Gold Adidas Gauntlet.
Ben Johnson, Lexington Catholic – Possibly the best scorer in the class behind Zion Harmon, Johnson has gone for 50+ in multiple AAU games over the years and should see a greatly increased scoring role at Lexington Catholic in his sophomore season. When Ben is hitting from deep, his range extends well past the NBA three. Johnson has really improved in the midrange and is already more effective there than either of his older brothers (who are both playing D1 now). If Johnson grows, he can easily transition to the shooting guard spot. If he’s topped out on height, he’ll need to tighten his ball handling. You can see Ben playing with 15u M.A.T.T.S. Mustangs this AAU season.
Scotty Draud, Beechwood – Another big time scorer in this class, Draud is known more as a shooter than as a pure scorer. Scotty averaged 21 points per game as a freshman while drawing double teams more often than not. As Draud adds muscle to his lean frame, he projects as a Division 1 player and could wind up following in his dad’s footsteps and playing at a Power 5 school. Draud can be seen all spring and summer with the Louisville Magic 15u on the Adidas Gold circuit.
Kelly Niece, Simon Kenton – We’ve only been able to put eyes on Niece once this season but he put up an easy 37 in the regional quarterfinal. Niece can score the ball at all 3 levels. He needs to get stronger but that will come with age. Niece is playing up a grade level with Indiana Elite on the Adidas Gold circuit and there are rumors that he may relocate into the 9th region next season. Time will tell if the rumors are true but there is no doubt that Niece is a high level scorer and one of the best in the state in 2021.