2021 Rankings Update: Stock-Risers
The leap from freshman to sophomore season is supposed to be significant. Heck, more than a handful of ranked 2021 prospects played their first season of varsity ball this season. So, for this distinguished group of Stock-Risers, their leap was more…
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Continue ReadingThe leap from freshman to sophomore season is supposed to be significant. Heck, more than a handful of ranked 2021 prospects played their first season of varsity ball this season.
So, for this distinguished group of Stock-Risers, their leap was more than significant — it was extraordinary.
Jalin Billingsley | 6-6 PF | Lutheran East | 19 → 7
Billingsley’s physical tools and skill-set give him as much upside as anyone in Ohio’s 2021 class. A big-body that operates the floor swiftly, Billingsley can score over the shoulder with touch or step-out for jumpers. Light on his feet as a leaper and covers space block-to-block and block-to-elbow as a shot-blocker and rebounder. Comfortable ball-handler around the perimeter. Sustaining effort, though, is the next step for Billingsley.
Jamiya Neal | 6-6 SF | Toledo St. Francis | 18 → 10
Neal’s pull-up shooting ability and changes of pace off the dribble have opened up his shot-creation ability. Flashes prototypical athleticism attacking from the wing or in transition. Limited left-hand ball-handler, but he has time to build that area of his game up. Versatile defender who keeps a wide stance and bothers small guards with his length. Capable outside shooter, but Neal is currently way more dangerous from 15 feet and in.
Jaden Hameed | 5-11 PG | VASJ | 20 → 13
Hameed, in our opinion, is without question a top two point guard in Ohio’s 2021 class right now. He has elite instincts. Combines a killer scoring mentality in crunch time with the presence of mind to keep teammates involved throughout the lifespan of a game. Knock-down shooter with space and the ability to take contact around the rim when he finishes. Understands how to enter the ball into the post and hit open shooters on time. Quick laterally, good defensive hands, and a thick frame to deal with contact.
Jalen Sullinger | 5-9 PG | Thomas Worthington | 57 → 18
Sullinger’s sophomore season rise was captivating, and was rewarded with a Kent State offer. Dynamic ball-handler who creates separation and shows an ability to connect on contested pull-ups. Shoots it with range, too. Impressive leaper. Quick defender at the point of attack.
Alex Williams | 6-4 PF | Moeller | 85 → 29
Williams went from no varsity experience to becoming the most impactful sixth man at the State Tournament as a sophomore. Expansive skill-set and a strong body that resembles a Division I defensive end prospect. Williams can knock-down 3-pointers with space, create his own shot off the dribble with skillful ball-handling ability, and out-rebound tall posts. Efficient scorer.
Luke Chicone | 5-9 PG | Mentor | 70 → 46
Chicone is a heady point guard who puts pressure on the defense with his vision and shot-making ability. Uses his unassuming stature to his advantage by slipping by the first line of defense through tight spaces to improve passing angles and draw a second defender. Excellent outside shooter. Doesn’t turn the ball over. Super quick. Mentor’s 3-point-friendly offensive attack highlighted Chicone’s ability to find open shooters with on-target passes.
Idris Lawrence | 5-10 PG | Pickerington North | 71 → 56
Elite quickness and long arms allow Lawrence to make-up for his height disadvantage. He dashes to the rim with spin moves and other elusive maneuvers before using the glass on tough finishes. Swipes balls away at the point of attack with his long reach and lateral quickness. Becoming a more consistent shooter could push Lawrence up the charts again.
Chris Strzempka | 6-5 PF | Findlay | 94 → 76
Strzempka will be an interesting prospect to watch over these next few seasons, to see how much he builds upon his natural abilities. He’s a high-flying, slender forward that rebounds and runs the floor extremely well. Equally capable of defending both forward positions or out-leaping posts for boards. His shooting stroke, also, is pretty smooth and he’s shown the ability to hit 3-pointers. For Strzempka, though, becoming more confident with the ball on the perimeter or adding size to his frame and committing to the post will be worth monitoring. Either way, we were encouraged by what he showed as a varsity starter for Findlay as a sophomore.