2021 First Ranking: Guards
The class of 2021 has a number of notable bigs who tend to absorb a lot of the attention. However, there are some guards who played at a high level this season, this spring, and in June. Below are some of the top guards from the class of 2021.
2021 First Ranking: Top Guards
Dimitrios Stragilinos 6’5 SG Hillcrest
Stragiilinos has good length and size. Further, he is able to finish above the rim and shoots it at a high level. He has a really high upside despite his youth. He also has a soft touch and plays with a good motor. As his strength continues to improve, he will be able to take his game to a whole other level.
Ty Ty Washington 5’10 PG Cesar Chavez
Washington arguably has the top mid-range jumper out of any prospect in the class of 2021 as well as in the rest of the state. His strength and good change of pace enables him to get to that second level where he shoots the lights out of the basketball. Further, he has a good basketball IQ.
Paris Woods Paris Woods 6'5" | SF Bella Vista Prep | 2021 State AZ 6’2 PG Apollo
Woods is long and looks like he is going to continue to grow. He is a capable shooter from deep who already has a good feel for how to score the basketball above longer defenders. He has a good series of floaters and euro step finishes that enable him to have success. Further, he is a good on-ball defender.
Ricardo Sarmiento Ricardo Sarmiento 5'11" | PG Phhoenix Prep | 2021 State AZ 5’11 PG Cesar Chavez
Sarmiento is a knockdown shooter from deep and one of the best on-ball defenders in this group. He has a really high basketball IQ and understands how to make an impact without dominating the basketball. With that said, he makes great decisions with the ball and puts his teammates in spots where they can be successful.
Justus Jackson Justus Jackson 6'0" | PG Eduprize | 2021 State AZ 5’10 PG Millennium
Jackson is quick, elusive, and has a good vertical. While DaRon Holmes is extremely skilled and deserves the attention, Jackson definitely plays his role and understands how to make his teammates better. He is one of the most skilled guards in this class due to his well-balanced game.
2021 First Rankings: Guard Watch List
Max Majerlie 6’4 SG Arcadia
Majerlie picked up his first offer from Grand Canyon University this past week. He is lengthy and a good shooter from deep. He is worth keeping an eye on as he will be well-coached and has plenty of tools.
Dominque Newsom 5’9 PG Central
“The Bear,” as many know him, plays fearlessly and has grown. Further, he has put on muscle mass and will look to take his game to another level this winter. He is a good shooter from deep and mid-range.
Jason Elder Jason Elder 6'6" | SF Phhoenix Prep | 2022 State AZ 6’5 SG/SF Cienega
Elder is one of the most versatile prospects in this class. He is long and athletic with a skill set that enables him to play the 2 or the 3. He finishes well around the rim and can get there at will.
JJ White JJ White 6'3" | SG Ironwood | 2021 State AZ 6’1 PG/SG Ironwood
White has emerged as one of the top on-ball defenders and shooters in this group while playing with Team Zona. He has a high basketball IQ and is not afraid of high level competition.
Bailon Black Bailon Black 6'4" | CG Ironwood | 2021 State AZ 6’2 PG/SG Ironwood
Black has been one of the top performing 2021 prospects this June. He shoots the basketball at a high level and has a high basketball IQ. His ability to see the floor and hit ahead makes his teammates better. Black looks poised to make huge leaps on this list.
Jalen Scott Jalen Scott 6'3" | PG Paradise Honors | 2021 State AZ 6’1 PG Paradise Honors
Scott continues to grow and has a long frame. On the court, he has a good basketball IQ and is shifty. He has good change of pace and direction on his moves and finishes well around the rim. Further, he is a consistent shooter from behind the line.