2021 Rankings Update: Top Shooting Guards/Combo Guards
Since the last rankings update in March, we have had some major movements up the rankings boards, including some players who are new to the rankings altogether. This update comes after some players have had massive AAU seasons and “summer…
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Continue ReadingSince the last rankings update in March, we have had some major movements up the rankings boards, including some players who are new to the rankings altogether. This update comes after some players have had massive AAU seasons and “summer ball” in June with their high school teams. Multiple members of the class now hold D1 offers and others have shown they are worthy of those honors soon. Here’s a look at the best post combo guards/shooting guards in our 2021 Rankings.
Ben Johnson Ben Johnson 6'3" | CG Lexington Catholic | 2021 State KY , Lexington Catholic – Ben may be the most valuable player for any team in Lexington. The sharpshooter has had a huge summer, outdueling other top 2021 players at the Mack, Miller and Lofton event and the Collins tournament. Johnson is one of those players who just gets it done on the court, making winning plays and creating for others. Look for Ben to end up at the mid major or better D1 level in college.
Isaiah Mason Isaiah Mason 6'4" | SF Bowling Green | 2021 State KY , Bowling Green – Isaiah has high major D1 potential when he’s firing on all cylinders. He can play on or off the ball and is comfortable as a scorer or distributor. Mason is long and a good athlete but has a tendency to take plays off. When his motor is going on both ends of the floor, there aren’t many better players in the state. If he can attack every game like he has something to prove, Isaiah can get the Purples back to Rupp Arena in March.
Anthony Woodard Anthony Woodard 6'2" | CG Logan County | 2021 State KY , Logan County – Mason’s AAU teammate, Woodard is a beast of a competitor who will run through a wall to get a win. “Rooster” plays on and off the ball for Logan County and is probably at his best as a driver who can finish at the rim but he is a willing passer that will kick it out to open shooters. Depending on how good of a shooter he becomes, Woodard could play anywhere from high D2 to mid major D1 in college but he is definitely a scholarship player at the next level.
DaShawn Jackson DaShawn Jackson 6'3" | SG Frederick Douglass | 2021 State KY , Frederick Douglass – Jackson is another member of the Manimal Elite team with Woodard and Mason. Together, the three form a tough backcourt. DaShawn has been a much better shooter in AAU than he showed with 29% shooting from 3 as a high school Sophomore. In order for Douglass to be successful this season (and possibly make the region for the first time in school history), Jackson will have to become more effective playing with the ball in his hands, especially against pressure but DaShawn is a hard worker who continues to improve.
Kelly Niece Kelly Niece 6'2" | CG Simon Kenton | 2021 State KY , Simon Kenton – Kelly tumbled down the rankings due to an ACL tear in April. Hopefully Niece can return to form as a Junior and show the scoring ability that had him in the top 5 of these rankings previously. If he is well and ready to go by February, Simon Kenton can compete for a regional championship with Kelly as the main cog in their machine.
Other Names to Know:
Alijah Watts, University Heights – Now at UHA after quitting Hopkinsville last season, Watts and KJ Crump KJ Crump 5'8" | PG University Heights | 2021 State KY make UHA regional contenders again.
Connor Robinson Connor Robinson 6'2" | SG Clay County | 2021 State KY , Clay County – One of the best Juniors in the mountains, Connor already has over 1,000 career points.
Jaz Johnson Jaz Johnson 6'2" | SG Wolfe County | 2021 State KY , Wolfe County – Jaz should really be a point guard but plays off the ball at Wolfe, where he can lead the region in scoring this season.
Cory Vanhoose Cory Vanhoose 5'10" | SG Johnson Central | 2021 State KY , Johnson Central – There aren’t many kids who play harder than Vanhoose. Cory will be a leader for Johnson Central.
Dante Hayden Dante Hayden 5'11" | CG Danville | 2022 State KY , Danville – More of a shooter than a slasher, Dante needs to elevate his game this season for Danville to compete.