Rankings Update: 2021 Top Bigs
With the new update we had a few shakeups amongst the top and also a few names jump into our top 20 that were not there before. This sophomore class was deep and had players jump onto varsity and make…
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Continue ReadingWith the new update we had a few shakeups amongst the top and also a few names jump into our top 20 that were not there before. This sophomore class was deep and had players jump onto varsity and make a big difference despite being underclassmen. Here is the top five big men in the class who stood out.
Donta Dawson – Harrison
When you average 17 points, six rebounds and over two blocks a game as only a sophomore how can you not be one of the top big guys in the class. Dawson had some huge games this year where he put up some numbers including going out with a bang. He finished with 25 points, five rebounds and two blocks in a one-point loss to the state runner ups and had many anticipating an encore season. Dawson was the only sophomore in 4A to make an All-State team and although he is not a big man in size, his production on the court is. Dawson does a bit of everything and at 6-foot-4 was the biggest player on Harrison’s team so had to go down on the block often as well as defend bigger players. He showed that he has the strength to compete but is a bit too skilled to be defended by those opposing bigs on the other end. His ability to do it all separates him from the rest of the pack and he surely has a high bar set for next season.
Kendale Johnson – George Washington
Johnson is a big man that plays with aggression. He is stronger that the defender and is very to the point. Last season he was able to put up 18.8 points a game and it was due to the way that he attacked the rim. He is a downhill runner that is dangerous with the ball in his hands. He is not shy to let it fly and is best used as a slasher. He was able to showcase the ability to space the floor with his ability to knock down shots on the perimeter, he has a solid face up and he is able to play every single position on the floor which you do not see very often. Over the grassroots season he was able to put himself back in the conversation as one of the top players in the state as he brought it every single time out on the offensive end and made some defensive plays as well on a very talented Billups Elite team. This year with the Patriots getting closer to what we have grown accustomed to I expect to see a better year from him from an efficiency standpoint.
Nolan Marold – Thunder ridge
Marold is a 6’6 big man that is still growing. He is also a skilled big man that moves well and has good hand-eye coordination. He sets good screens as he is stout and is a good roller that gives the guard a window for either a basket or big option to pass to. Once he gets it he is able to go straight up with the ball and either dunk it or finish at the rim. He is a traditional Center with the ability to play forward as well. He rebounds well, keeps the ball alive and makes sound basketball decisions all without having to have the ball in his hands. He does not backdown to any other player, is able to switch onto smaller defenders and makes things difficult and is a rim protector with good timing. Last season he was able to put up seven points and four rebounds a game on a talented Grizzlies team that made it to the Coliseum and there are bigger expectations for his junior season.
Aaron Jacobs – Chaparral
Jacobs comes in at the No.19 player in the class but makes the top big man list because of his ability to affect the game down low. He did not get a chance to play major minutes on one of the best teams in the state last year but there were flashes of what he could do with limited minutes. This summer we were able to see his game grow a bit and he showcased that he is able to rebound well, finish on the block with solid footwork as well as extend the defense with his jump shot. Jacobs is 6’7 and coming into his own. He can stretch the floor and run the floor well. Has a great motor and should step into a bigger role this upcoming season but has a high ceiling.
Garrett Siebert – Legend
Siebert is a forward that is able to go down low and take over when needed. For Legend last season he was able to put up 7.9 points but also led the team in rebounds at 4.5 a game. While he is not a pure shooter he showcased that he can stretch floor a bit, put it on the ground and beat his man off of the dribble and also possesses a bit of a back to the basket game. There were a few games last season where he had double digit rebounds and once he finds that consistency down low while continuing to give resistance on the block he will unlock himself as a player. He has all of the intangibles to be a better player this upcoming season with a great blend of speed, strength and size and once he puts it together on a regular basis then he will be a go-to player used in the pick and roll and you can run plays for for easy baskets. I expect a much better junior season.