2021 Rankings: Biggest Risers
Cearius Warren, Southern (We All Can Go) – Unranked–>11 “King” Warren is an electric athlete who plays well above the rim. Long and active, Warren is dynamic when he plays with the motor he is capable of. There’s no doubt that Cearius can run and jump with the best of them but the question surrounding him is how high his skill level is and if he’ll improve enough as a perimeter shooter to play the wing when he eventually gets to the next level. All will be revealed in time but keep an eye on “King” as he could wind up challenging to be the top player in the class by the time all is said and done.
JaQuais Franklin, Elizabethtown (Hoop Dreams) – Unranked–>17 Franklin is coming off a freshman season where he averaged nearly 10 points and 4 rebounds per game on a senior dominated Panther team. Look for JaQuais to be the leading scorer and leader at Elizabethtown this year as he is the best bet to step up and fill the void left by the graduation of Darius Harding. Look for Franklin to be one of the best players in the 5th region this year and over the next 3 years.
Zeke Montgomery, North Bullitt (Louisville Magic) – Unranked–>20 Zeke caught my eye this summer playing with North Bullitt at the Collins Tournament. Montgomery is long and athletic and played with a good motor when I saw him. Like most in his class, his ceiling depends on growth and development over the next three years but right now he has the build and ability to be a college prospect in the future. Along with fellow Sophomore TJ Toney, Montgomery and the rest of North Bullitt will look to make a push in the 6th Region this year.
Noah Dumas, McCracken County (Hoop Dreams) – Unranked–>29 Dumas is strong and heady as a point guard. He impressed against athletes when I saw him play Ballard this summer in Shelbyville. Noah was described as a big time football player but he could certainly have a future on the hardwood as well. Noah flashed toughness and ability to get to the rim as well as create for others. Along with our 2020 top player Jackson Sivills, McCracken will be a formidable foe for anyone trying to keep them from returning to Rupp Arena this season.
Dashawn Jackson, Frederick Douglass (Manimal Elite) – 17–>8 Jackson is a good athlete with a high skill level. He’s going to be one of the highest scorers in the city of Lexington this year and should expect some college interest to come his way sooner or later. As a shooting guard he’s a good college prospect and I’ll be interested to see how much he plays with the ball in his hands this year at Douglass. There are several small guards on the Douglass roster but their best option at point could be Dashawn. Keep an eye on Jackson and his growth over the next couple of years as he could be the best sophomore in the city.