Top 10 Wings in 2021
The Class of 2021 rankings are here!
Always remember at PrepHoops.com we rank on what a player WILL BE, not on what they are today. For this reason you will see some raw bigs higher than refined point guards. The sad reality is that taller players tend to advance further in this sport. In now way does this mean stop striving, because rankings always have flaws and always overlook good players.
The 2021 wings represent the deepest, most formidable sect of 2021 players. With certain stars like Randy Brady, Alden Applewhite and the two Jalens the talent is strong.
Of course this can all change and rankings are merely a flashpoint of speculation on who will do the most after high school. Still, these players earned their current rankings with play on the court.
If you want to look at the complete rankings, smash here.
The following list reveals the top 10 wings in the state alongside their statewide overall ranking. The first player listed is the #1 wing, and also the #1 overall player in Tennessee in 2021.
#1 Randy Brady (Brentwood Academy)
How on Earth could Brentwood Academy replace five-star guard Darius Garland? Could they possibly get back to the state tournament? Answering both questions is sophomore-to-be Randy Brady. Last winter Brady started for a very talented Baylor School. His transfer to Brentwood Academy immediately shakes up the returning Eagles roster.
#3 Alden Applewhite (Lausanne Collegiate)
Lefty Alden Applewhite needs no introduction. Memphis defenders know that uneasy feeling well of facing down the silky 6-foot-5 star. Even as a freshman for Lausanne Applewhite found multiple ways to carve up defenses. At his height the slipperiness speaks to stardom. Basketball players need to have an elite skill to ascend the basketball ladder and while Applewhite’s outside shooting isn’t elite yet it might be someday. Applewhite’s handle and evasiveness are elite.
#4 Jalen Brown (Memphis East)
As a lanky off-guard Jalen Brown didn’t get a ton of play for Memphis East in their state title run, but he did find 10 minutes of action against a feisty Bearden squad. On top of his outside shooting prowess, Jalen Brown’s length and handle project favorably.
#6 Jalen Macon (Hillsboro)
Team Thad 15u finished the spring second place in . Many games Jalen Macon was the team’s best scorer. The surefire wing competes witha sturdy body, making defending him a headache.
#8 Alex Anderson (Tipton Rosemark)
Alex Anderson is also a Team Thad 15u player. Anderson’s athleticism and rebounding hunger are incredible for the 2021 class. Truthfully Alex plays as a power forward of sorts for both his high school and AAU teams. Whether he morphs into a college wing or battles as a slightly undersized forward Alex looks like a MM+ prospect. College coaches agree.
#9 Brandon Huntley-Hatfield (Clarksville Academy)
Of the top ten players on this list, Brandon Huntley might be the furthest away from what he is going to be. Brandon is so tall and lean at 6-foot-8 that his body is only beginning to reach its potential. There is a long way to go for Brandon. He earned his way into the top 10 because Brandon and his family take basketball seriously by training with quick guards and intelligent coaches. It is fair to expect Brandon to develop into something special. Patience demands we wait a little for that though.
#12 Mason Miller (Houston)
Mason Miller is also a bit of a project. The lean wing has exceptional size, but he needs more toughness in traffic. The shooter continues to develop the skills that translate. He doesn’t have the same game as his father Mike Miller (cocky attack-minded), but Mason is a pure shooter with a chance to play high level college basketball. His floor is nice and high.
#14 Matthew Sells (Livingston Academy)
Did you know Tennessee Tech sent two basketball coaches to evaluate Matthew at the state tournament? Sells sparkled with his high school team. With EAB 15u, Sells plays as a two guard. He could develop into a combo guard. EAB 15u has plenty of point guards though. What makes Sells special is his broad range of offensive skills. He can beat the defender with speed, with sizzle with guile. The guard attacks from any point on the floor and usually mixes in several complicated moves.
#15 Sam Specht (John Paul II)
Sam is a special shooter and stands 6-foot-5. Those two characteristics translate very well beyond high school. I worry Specht could become a specialist. Even if he does, Sam will find a home as a shooter. Everybody needs those.
#17 Willie Foreman (White Station)
PrepHoopsTN’s newest writer Courtney Smith and I shared our thoughts on Willie. At 6-foot-4, Foreman is a monster rebounder at the high school level. This summer he is playing up two age groups with Hoop City, largely because he dominates on the glass and never gives up. The worry with Willie Foreman is that he might be a short power forward instead of an elite wing rebounder. The modern game kind of only includes point guard, wing, and pivot. If Willie Foreman is forced to play college pivot, then your team is in trouble. As springy and tough as he is, Willie Foreman at 6-foot-4 doesn’t need to be defending 6-foot-8+ players. The hope and the belief here is that Willie Foreman develops some shooting range and improves his handle a little. Both can happen, but at his core Willie is an exceptional rebounder and defender. The position of the future remains in question.
Is this list no good? Do you disagree? Tweet @PrepHoopsTN and let your complaints known. Share your top 2021 wings and let the debate begin!