Class of 2021 Rankings Update: Biggest Risers
The class of 2021 player rankings were recently updated by Prep Hoops Wisconsin. Here are the 10 players who improved their stock the most during thier sophomore seasons… No. 8 Kobe Johnson (Nicolet) Previous: 23 We’re still forecasting a…
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Continue ReadingThe class of 2021 player rankings were recently updated by Prep Hoops Wisconsin. Here are the 10 players who improved their stock the most during thier sophomore seasons…
No. 8 Kobe Johnson (Nicolet)
Previous: 23
We’re still forecasting a little bit here, but based on his sophomore season, it appears that Johnson will indeed blossom into a top 10 prospect, if he hasn’t already. He doesn’t always get to shine while playing alongside Jalen Johnson and Jamari Sibley, but the passing, vision, and playmaking skills are legit. Going from a JV player to a starter on the state’s most talented team within the span of a year, Johnson is averaging 9.9 points and 3.5 assists per game. The next step in his development will to become more of a shot creator, something he can show more of during the travel season.
No. 16 Quinton Murrell (Milwaukee King)
Previous: NR
Murrell has a chance to be a Division 1 player when all is said and done. Murrell averaged 14.5 ppg this season after transferring from Dominican. A plus-length wing who can create his own shot, there’s a lot to like about this 6-foot-3 sophomore.
No. 17 Brandin Podziemski (SJNMA)
Previous: NR
Probably a name that not many have heard of yet, but someone we’re expecting big things from in the summer, Podziemski had a huge sophomore season, while leading Saint John’s Northwestern Military Academy to a 22-2 record. The skilled, sharpshooting lefty posted 22.5 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 3.0 rebounds per game this season and greatly excited with his 3-point shooting ability off the bounce.
No. 22 Gavin McGrath (Onalaska)
Previous: 33
Starting to tap into his high upside, McGrath consistently showed flashes as a sophomore. A very raw, 6-foot-10 center, McGrath looked a lot more comfortable at the varsity level, finishing around the rim and protecting the basket. McGrath still has a long way to go, but he’s coordinated, moves well for his size, and seems to have the right work ethic and isn’t content with just being the biggest body on the floor.
No. 28 Jayden Jackson (Whitefish Bay)
Previous: 40
We were able to see Jackson once in July and thought he had a chance to be a top 30 prospect. After his efforts in the Minnesota-Wisconsin Border Battle, Jackson showed he deserved to be included in that group. Averaging 14.3 points and 2.4 assists per game this season, Jackson took over a Whitefish Bay squad that had some impactful seniors on it. A scoring wing with a strong frame, Jackson is one of the better mid-range shooters in this class.
No. 29 Mark Wade (Brown Deer)
Previous: NR
Wade’s best days are still ahead of him and he’s a breakout candidate for Brown Deer next season as Jaylon Gentry and Brooklyn Jagers — two 20-point per game scorers — are out the door. Averaging nearly 13 points per game as a sophomore, Wade looked very good when he was sure of himself and assertive on the floor. A fast, athletic combo guard that can get to the rim, Wade’s someone we’re very eager to see during the travel season.
No. 40 Adam Larson (Fennimore)
Previous: NR
Looking for the best shooting power forward in Wisconsin’s 2020 class? Larson makes a great case. The 6-foot-8 sophomore averaged 17.5 points per game this season. While he’s a stretch four, who excels in the pick n’ pop game, Larson also has some developing skills off the dribble that could make him very dangerous in the coming years and certainly push him into the top 25 of these rankings.
No. 42 Brandon Leach (Milwaukee Madison)
Previous: NR
Kyran Gaines stole the headlines at Milwaukee Madison, but Leach was a pretty effective running mate. A high-scoring combo guard who can create his own shot and possesses deep range, Leach put up nearly 17 points per game next to the high-scoring forward.
No. 43 Victor Desmond (Onalaska)
Previous: NR
Desmond hasn’t hit his stride yet as a prospect, but he’s someone that could help finally push Onalaska past La Crosse Central if he makes big gains in the off-season. Desmond averaged a quiet 4.0 ppg on a very deep Hilltopper squad, but the 6-foot-2 is very bouncy and can make momentum changing plays with his athleticism.
No. 47 Dylan Lisitza (Wisconsin Rapids Lincoln)
Previous: NR
Rapids didn’t have a great year, but that didn’t fall on Lisitza, who averaged nearly 16 points per game. The 5-foot-11 guard has the ability to go off on people, as shown by his 36-point performance against Eau Claire North. Lisitza is tough with the basketball, likes to draw contact, and can finish well in traffic. What put him in the top 50 though was his ability to change speeds and keep defenders on their heels.