2021 Rankings: Top Small Forwards and Wings
Isaiah Mason, Bowling Green (Manimal Elite) – Isaiah is a long and skilled athlete with a bright future and high ceiling. Mason has the type of ceiling to end up as a top 3-5 player in the class before all…
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Continue ReadingIsaiah Mason, Bowling Green (Manimal Elite) – Isaiah is a long and skilled athlete with a bright future and high ceiling. Mason has the type of ceiling to end up as a top 3-5 player in the class before all is said and done. Mason can get to the rim and his build and frame remind me of 15 year old Dontaie Allen. It remains to be seen how much Isaiah or anyone in the 21 class will develop but if you’re buying stock in 2021 prospects, Isaiah Mason would be a good choice to invest in. If he can develop his shooting stroke in addition to his ability to get to the rim,he can really raise his profile.
DeAjuan Stepp, West Jessamine (Charlotte Court) – Another high potential wing in the class, Stepp is skilled and long but has the height and frame of a point guard. Not sure if Stepp will grow any more or get to play with the ball in his hands much but his greatest asset is probably his motor. DeAjuan plays hard and smart and with a high basketball IQ. Not sure how well Stepp shoots it because he has always been more of a driver off the wing and even posts up some when I’ve seen him. If he can get some more exposure through AAU, he has a chance to end up at the D1 level by graduation.
Anthony Woodard, Logan County (Manimal Elite) – Known better by his nickname of “Rooster”, Woodard is another kid who plays with an outstanding motor. Rooster is on the move after his freshman season at Russellville and will now be at crosstown rival Logan County. Woodard was a star last season for the Panthers and reminds me of Russellville legend Pedro Bradshaw. To get to that level, he’ll need to hit a growth spurt but Woodard plays hard enough to merit that comparison. Rooster is another one who could challenge for top 5 status in this loaded class.
Mason Moore, Rowan County (M.A.T.T.S. Mustangs) – Moore is a two sport start who slid down the rankings predominantly because he sat out all but 2 weeks of AAU this year. Moore is another one on this list who is moving schools as he goes from Paintsville to Rowan County for his sophomore season. Moore showed flashes of being a top 5-10 player in the class last season at Paintsville and again this summer in the two tournaments he did play in. If Moore dedicated himself to basketball he could certainly be a college player but his future could be brighter on the pitcher’s mound.
Sam Conley, Spencer County (Louisville Magic) – Conley is a good athlete who is able to bully players to the rim because he’s bigger and stronger than most of the kids his grade. Sam may not have as high of a ceiling as the rest in this category because he is not a great shooter (only 27% from 3 last season) and he doesn’t have the explosion to get past elite defenders off the dribble. Right now Conley excels at bullying people on his way to the rim but he is going to need to add some finesse to his game as he ages in addition to improving as a shooter.
Other Names to Know:
Isaiah May, Johnson Central (Manimal Elite)
Jared Wellman, George Rogers Clark (M.A.T.T.S. Mustangs)
Tyler Slone, Oldham County (Louisville Legends)
Wyatt Vieth, St. Henry (Shining Stars)
James McKensie, Tates Creek (Charlotte Court)