2021 Top Wings
Now it is time to look at the top shooting guards and small forwards in the 2021 class. Which wings are head and shoulders above the rest of the class? Max Christie (Rolling Meadows) Current Ranking: #1 Travel Team:…
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Continue ReadingNow it is time to look at the top shooting guards and small forwards in the 2021 class. Which wings are head and shoulders above the rest of the class?
Max Christie (Rolling Meadows)
Current Ranking: #1
Travel Team: Illinois Wolves
Christie is the clear top prospect in the state’s 2021 class and the best regardless of class. He solidified that this spring posting huge numbers for the Illinois Wolves on the 17U level being one of the nation’s top scorers on the UAA circuit and then making the USA Basketball U16 team. Elite scorer from the two guard spot with his long and lanky frame. Plus shooter from three that sets up his shot and creates off the bounce as well.
Bryce Hopkins (Fenwick)
Current Ranking: #2
Travel Team: MoKan
Hopkins had a breakout junior campaign! The Fenwick forward posted monster numbers all season long in the Chicago Catholic League. He is a powerful scorer that can post up, attack with strength, and hit a three. Hopkins is also a high level rebounder. Showed he could produce on a national level being one of the top players for a loaded MoKan 16U team.
Brandon Weston (Morgan Park)
Current Ranking: #3
Travel Team: Mac Irvin Fire
Weston is a freak show athlete who was sidelined for this past season because of his transfer from Lake Forest Academy to Morgan Park. Once he hit the floor in the spring with the Mac Irvin Fire at the 17U level he quickly reminded everyone what makes him such an intriguing prospect solidifying his place among the best in the class. Quick twitched athlete who wins off the bounce, plays above the rim in transition, and has an improving shot. Chance to be a very good wing defender.
Ahamad Bynum (Simeon)
Current Ranking: #5
Travel Team: Mac Irvin Fire
Bynum is one of the most electric scorers in this class! He can heat up in a hurry with his jumper! Needs to get better shot selection with it, but when he is on he absolutely can carry a team with his scoring. Physical attacker in the open floor. Aggressive on ball defender that has Chicago toughness. He will be the go to scorer this season for the Wolverines.
Isaiah Barnes (OPRF)
Current Ranking: #7
Travel Team: Illinois Wolves
A lot of projectability with his size and length. That is the first aspect which stands out about Barnes. Smooth offensive game with a clean looking jump shot. He can defend multiple positions on the defensive end of the floor. This is a prospect that intrigues a lot of college coaches because of what he can project as down the line.
Jaylin Gibson (Evanston)
Current Ranking: #8
Travel Team: Meanstreets
Gibson is one of those rare prospects who can be the best player on the floor even when he isn’t scoring. He is a high level passer from his two guard spot that has a knack for making everyone around him better. Vision and feel with the ball in his hands making plays. High level rebounder from his wing spot and is a tenacious wing defender. All this is in addition to what he does as a scorer!
John Poulakidas (Neuqua Valley)
Current Ranking: #9
Travel Team: Young & Reckless
Poulakidas is a prospect we have been huge fans of since last spring. Over the last year he has grown so much as a player. The 6’5” lefty is a plus shooter from three with a sweet shot. His handles and athleticism have improved which has opened up more ways for him to score off the dribble and just creating overall offensively. Solid passer, rebounder, and is improving as a defender with his lateral quickness.
Tevin Smith (Danville)
Current Ranking: #11
Travel Team: Meanstreets
Smith had a huge sophomore season for Danville playing a major role. Elite level athlete with strength that plays above the rim. Much improved as a jump shooter over the last year with elevation off the floor and a clean release. The biggest area of concern right now is a serious injury that will sideline him for quite a while which he suffered right before travel team season.
Troy D’Amico (Niles Notre Dame)
Current Ranking: #13
Travel Team: Meanstreets
D’Amico is a highly skilled combo forward that attacks the defense in a variety of ways. Plus shooter that can knock down triples from all over the floor. Slick passer especially in the half court. Rebounds well and can take it off the defensive glass and start the break with his head up looking to make a play!
Louis Lesmond (Evanston)
Current Ranking: #15
Travel Team: Illinois Wolves
Lesmond moved over to Evanston from France and made an impact with his sniper shooting from deep from the jump. At 6’5” with his frame and shot he projects to be an excellent long term prospect. Will be interesting to see how his overall game develops.
Jaiden Lee (Joliet West)
Current Ranking: #17
Travel Team: Illinois T-Wolves
Lee is a long and rangy two guard that can shoot it from deep. Plus looking shot from three with a fluid release. Also has some explosion off the bounce if his opponent takes the shot away driving to the cup with a burst. Like his projectability a lot!
James Dent (Springfield Southeast)
Current Ranking: #18
Travel Team: All-In Athletics
Dent has seen his stock soar over the last six months. High level shooter that drills threes and pull up jumpers with ease. Went 7-7 at Battle at the Lakes in one game this spring. On Springfield Southeast look for him to become the go to scorer with the graduation of several of their star players.
Blake Peters (Evanston)
Current Ranking: #20
Travel Team: Fundamental U
We have talked about a lot of great shooters, but there is truly only one Blake Peters in this class. He is the best shooter in the state regardless of class. Only 6’1” he is a bit undersized for his position, but his deep range shooting it is SPECIAL! Moves well without the ball to get open and has a lightning quick release.