2021 Rankings: Overlooked Prospects That Should Be Ranked
Here we analyze some of the best talents in Dallas that are still unsigned or unranked. The Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex is filled with so much competition that some guys get looked over. These are some of the most talented players…
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Continue ReadingHere we analyze some of the best talents in Dallas that are still unsigned or unranked. The Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex is filled with so much competition that some guys get looked over. These are some of the most talented players in the city that will be showing up in the rankings in the 2021 season.
Patrick Caero – Shooting Guard – Trinity Valley: A score first player with high-level scoring instincts. Patrick averaged 23 points per game this season, putting up big numbers against some of the best teams and players in the DFW. Not the best athlete on the court but at 6’3 200 pounds he uses his body well to create space and get to the hoop. He’s a natural ballplayer who does just about everything on the court. He’s already a magnificent scorer in every way possible and virtually a knockdown shooter from each spot on the court. Caero has such a pure shot, the ball hits nothing but the bottom of the net the same way every time it goes in. Superb playmaker in transition, shows good lateral quickness, speed with the ball, and a knack for finishing at the rim. Patrick is a solid passer that will continue to develop, but his full-court passes are sensational, he can launch the ball with accuracy the full length of the court. It boggles my mind that somehow Patrick Caero is still not ranked, but I think it’s safe to say he is by far one of the most skilled players in all of Dallas.
Jacob Millhouse – Shooting Guard – Prestonwood Christian Academy: 6’3 shooter with textbook form and a quick high release. Jacob is an exceptional shooter from the mid-range; he has a long first step and a smooth spin move that create the space he needs to get his shot off. He also loves the 3-ball and shoots it very well, lethal even when contested. Without the ball he’s a lot tougher to guard, it seems like he is becoming an expert at moving and getting open from beyond the arc. Millhouse often makes plays that show just how high his basketball IQ is both offensively and defensively; whether it’s finding the open man or jumping the passing lane to get a steal. Jacob doesn’t just have a high IQ on the court, he has one off the court as well, earning the All-State Academic award. There’s no doubt Jacob Millhouse will be ranked before his senior year ends. He is the definition of student-athlete, getting it done at a high level on the court and in the classroom.
Keynan Russell – Center/Power Forward – Wakeland: Keynan Russell is a name to remember, he may not be ranked now but he will definitely be a top 100 player in Texas if not higher by the end of his high school career. So skilled he could be a positionless player. He has a high basketball IQ, sees the court extremely well for his position, and displays point guard like court vision. His 6’8 height and length allow him to see over defenders and make passes that some point guards can’t even make. This 245 pounder is not overly physical but he still exhausts his opponents with his opposing size. In the post, Russell is a nimble player with good body control, footwork, and effective post moves; nice touch on his turn-around hook shot. He can play the pick and roll and pop out to hit a mid-range shot in the corner or the high-post. Keynan Russell’s potential is through the roof, if he can continue to hone his skills and his body he will be a monster on the court.
Khalil Mahtani – Point Guard/Shooting Guard – JJ Pearce: A combo guard with true point guard potential. When the ball is in his hands he is usually looking to make the right basketball play or find his open teammate. Khalil has solid quickness on the court with and without the ball, always moving and looking for openings in the lane or around the 3-point line. He can change speeds and direction on a dime. Nice stroke from beyond the arc especially in the corner, that’s a hot spot for him. This 6-foot guard excels in pick and roll situations with his ability to play off screens and either pull up or find the roller. He gives 110% percent on both ends of the court and never seems tired. Khalil Mahtani will be a leading guard for a rising team in Dallas his senior season, look out for him in the ranks before it’s all said and done.
Kenny Hardy – Center – Irving MacArthur: 6’6 Hardy is a physically gifted player with a strong upper body and strong hands. Offensively, he does a good job of establishing a post presence each time up the court. As soon as he gets the ball he is looking to score; exhibits very powerful post moves, repeatedly puts his shoulder into the defender and creates enough space to score. When his feet are set it’s hard to get him out of position, he knows how to use his long arms to get the ball right where he wants it. Defensively, he loves to protect the rim and often goes for blocks, he can sometimes lose his man but other than that his defensive upside is high. Kenny Hardy is a raw talent that would make for a good low-major prospect at the next level.
Honorable Mention:
Chandler Dickinson – Power Forward – Rockwall-Heath: This 6’5 230-pounder can really shoot the ball. I love how Chandler steps into every shot and shoots it with confidence. He’s a legit sniper with a high arcing lightning-fast release, and he can knock it down from any spot behind that 3-point line. He gives good defensive effort, can cover ground quickly from block to block. Chandler Dickinson may be poised for a breakout year next season after showing tremendous improvements in every aspect of the game year after year.