2021 class: Prospects who could fill up spots 21-35
Here’s the final part of my series on the 2021 class. I have basically talked about 20 of the best players in the class. The last 10 could battle some of the players in the top 10 for a spot.…
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Continue ReadingHere’s the final part of my series on the 2021 class. I have basically talked about 20 of the best players in the class. The last 10 could battle some of the players in the top 10 for a spot.
I’m not bluffing when I say that.
In this story, I will touch on players who could possibly fill up the next 15 spots in the class. Next season, some of these players could take huge leaps on the court. Well, that could happen during the AAU season.
Like I have said before, my rankings on this class will change. There’s too much talent in this game for it not to see a shuffle somewhere.
Here are prospects in the 2021 class that could fill up spots 21-35:
Grant Hurst, Cleveland: The 6-foot-1 combo guard averaged 12.9 points, 3.7 rebounds, 2.5 steals and 2.1 assists per game this season for a program that was entering the TSSAA Class AAA Boys State Tournament with a 33-1 overall record. Hurst shot the ball at a nice clip (46.8 percent) and made a high percentage of his free throws (75.3). Mr. Basketball in Class AAA, Jacobi Wood Jacobi Wood 6'2" | PG Cleveland | 2020 State #411 Nation TN , led the Blue Raiders in scoring with 28 points per game, but expect Hurst’s numbers to increase in his senior season.
Here’s something to think about: Hurst missed two games this season because of injury and still managed to have a solid junior year.
Zion Swader, Siegel: Here’s another guard that could have put up big numbers. Swader is playing alongside Jaylan Wetzel Jaylan Wetzel 6'1" | SG Siegel | 2021 State TN and Matthew Schneider and both players can score in double figures every game. Swader did his part as the team’s floor general, averaging 14 points, five assists, four rebounds and three steals per game for the Stars.
Jaylan Wetzel, Siegel: Wetzel was second on the team in scoring, averaging 15.8 points per game. The shooting guard also averaged 3.14 rebounds. He made 50.7 percent of his 3s (103 made 3-point attempts) this season. Wetzel had 31 points against Oakland in the semifinals round of the district tournament. He went 6 for 6 from deep.
Wetzel also had 31 points against Cleveland in a sectional matchup, converting on 7 of 10 shots from 3.
Jaquan Lax, Bolivar Central: Lax led his team to a district tournament runner-up finish in Class AA. He was a big part of the Tigers’ success this season. He averaged 15 points, six rebounds, four assists and two steals this season.
Tyler Fitzpatrick, Fayette Ware: Fitzpatrick has all of the tools to be in the top half of this class. He has so much upside as a wing. Fitzpatrick averaged 12 points, 6.2 rebounds, 2.5 assists and two steals for the Wildcats this season.
Taki Walker, Fayette Ware: Walker is a tough point guard. That alone is enough for him to be considered a spot in the top 35 of this class. Walker’s numbers weren’t bad, either. He averaged 11 points, 7.3 rebounds, 6.8 assists, two steals and one block for the Wildcats.
Bobby Westbrooks, St. Benedict: Westbrooks should get more love in this class. He can score the basketball. He averaged 16 points, five rebounds and one assist for the Eagles.
Riggs Abner, Mt. Juliet: Abner had a solid season playing alongside Mr. Basketball finalist and Lipscomb commit Will Pruitt. The shooting guard averaged 11.2 points, 6.4 rebounds and 4.7 assists per game. His averages will go up next season. Abner could average what Matthew Sells (27.3 PPG) averaged this season for Livingston Academy.
Reese McMullen, Christian Brothers: McMullen is one of the best shooters in this class. He has a quick release. McMullen’s ball handles improved heading into the 2019 season, which resulted in Division 1 programs coming after him. The 6-2 guard averaged 15.2 points, four rebounds, three assists and 1.5 steals for the Purple Wave this season.
Davon Barnes, White Station: Barnes is a physical wing and affects the game on both ends of the court. He had 29 points and 10 rebounds in a win over Harding Academy this season. That’s just a small sample size of what Barnes is capable of doing in every game.
Josh Ward, FACS: Ward heading to the Crusaders this season was a smart move. His offensive talents were on display under head coach Dee Wilkes. Ward averaged 10.2 points, 3.8 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 2.2 steals for FACS this season.
Harrison Kelly, Christian Brothers: Kelly is another sniper in this class. He made big shots this season for the Purple Wave. He averaged 10 points per game this year.
Kley McGowan, Cleveland: McGowan has the makings of a Division I basketball player. The 6-4 shooting guard has NBA range. He’s been a two-year starter for the Blue Raiders and has been an All-District and All-Region stud. He averaged 11 points per game this season.
Eli Federman, Christian Brothers: Federman’s numbers aren’t superb, but he plays hard for a full 32 minutes. Federman runs the offense well when he has to play point guard. He averaged seven points, three assists and 1.6 steals per game for the Purple Wave.
Dominiq Penn, Hamilton Heights: Penn could have went to a regular high school and averaged 20-plus points per game, but he’s a situation where he’s learning how to play against Division 1 talent every game, which will prepare him for the next level. For the 2019 season, Penn averaged 11 points and five assists per game for the Hawks.