Louisiana 2021 Rankings Breakdown: The Top 5(+1)
Usually when it comes to ranking updates, we highlight the top 5 players of a class. However, at this point, the 2021 class has a group of 6 players that I feel are head and shoulders above the rest of…
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Continue ReadingUsually when it comes to ranking updates, we highlight the top 5 players of a class. However, at this point, the 2021 class has a group of 6 players that I feel are head and shoulders above the rest of the pack. And I have said this publicaly, but this will be the first time that I have written it in an article. Right now, I’m not exactly sure who is the best player in the class. At this point, no one has yet to separate themselves from the pack, and I think you can make a good argument for anyone on this list to be considered the best player for the 2021 class. With that being said, here are the “superb six”.
1) Javon Ruffin 6’4 G Newman & Liv-On/Fleur De Lis
Ruffin is a combo guard that brings a really versatile game to the table. He has really good size for his position, and is a more than capable shooter from all 3 levels. He has all of the tools that you are looking for on the defensive end, with a long frame and above average athleticism. He also has a really good basketball IQ, and is a more than willing passer. I will admit that his stock took a bit of a hit after the July live period, but I also don’t feel like anyone else in his class did enough to separate themselves at the top, and as a result Ruffin will be staying at the top spot until further notice.
2) Emareyon McDonald 6’1 G Red River & Liv-On/Fleur De Lis
When I think of elite level shooters, McDonald is the first name that comes to mind. He has every trait you could look for in a shooter. He has a lightning quick release, can shoot just as well off the bounce as off the catch, and has range extending beyond the NBA line. He also has good passing vision, and has shown that when surrounded by better talent he is a more willing passer. Not saying that he will be this good, but his game does remind me quite a bit of Trae Young.
3) Joe Charles 6’8 F Carencro & LA Elite
As I mentioned in an article earlier this week, I walk away impressed everytime I see Charles play. He is tremendously skilled for his size, and has the ability to affect the game in a ton of different ways. He can stretch the floor as well as anyone at his size has been able to in the state over the last few years. He is a very talented defender, and is capable of switching out onto smaller, quicker guards and stay in front of them. He is outstanding on the backside of a defense, and really affects shot around the rim. I will continue to say it; if Charles can put it all together, he has as high a ceiling as anyone in the state. And he continues to get closer to it.
4) Carlos Stewart 6’1 G Dunham & Liv-On/Fleur De Lis
Stewart is the biggest riser of anyone in the top 10, and is making his debut in the top 5. However, if I’m being honest, he probably should have been there all along. I have seen Stewart play a ton up to this point, and it got to the point where I had over evaluated him in the first 2021 rankings. He is a scoring machine, and when he gets going there isn’t much any defender is capable of doing. He is a deadly shooter from the outside, and a really good finisher around the rim. Despite being just 6’1, his wingspan has been measured at over 6’6, which in combination with his athleticism makes him one of the toughest on ball defenders in his class. He certainly deserves to be considered one of the top 5 for his class.
5) Brian Thomas 6’4 G Walker & Liv-On/Fleur De Lis
Thomas in an extremely intriguing prospect for a number of reasons. When it comes to the court, I think that Thomas is just scratching the surface of what he can potentially be, which is a scary thought. He has excellent size for his position, and is a great scorer around the rim and from distance. He is an elite level athlete, and is capable of finishing high above the rim. He is another one that has all of the tools to be a great defender, and might have the best lateral mobility of anyone on this list. However, there is also the matter of Thomas being a highly recruited football player, and the mystery about his future for either sport. Thomas is certainly going to be a fun prospect to keep an eye on over the next couple of years.
6) Jamond Vincent 6’2 G Landry-Walker & New Orleans Elite
Vincent rounds out the “superb six” for the 2021 class. Vincent has about as well rounded a game as you will find in the state. He is a really good ball handler, a good shooter, a good defender, has a good feel for the game, plays the game with a high motor, and is an absolute high flyer. He continues to get better on the perimeter, however his bread and butter is definitely his ability to finish at and above the rim. He is a highlight just waiting to happen.