Updated 2021 Rankings Breakdown: DC Area Utility Players
Prep Hoops Maryland recently updated its class of 2021 rankings, and now it’s time to take a closer look. Here is a breakdown of the DC Area’s top-10 utility players from the junior class. 1) TJ GADSDEN | ST. ANDREW’S…
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Continue ReadingPrep Hoops Maryland recently updated its class of 2021 rankings, and now it’s time to take a closer look. Here is a breakdown of the DC Area’s top-10 utility players from the junior class.
1) TJ GADSDEN | ST. ANDREW’S | OVERALL RANK: #15
One thing you will notice about all the players on this list is that they defend. That is something that Gadsden does exceptionally well at 6-foot-7. He can guard 1 through 5 and has the offensive versatility to be comfortably deployed essentially anywhere on the court.
2) JAO ITUKA | GAITHERSBURG | OVERALL RANK: #31
Ituka does whatever it takes for his team to win on a nightly basis. If that requires grabbing 15 rebounds, he does it. If that means scoring 30 points, he does it. Ituka has proven that he is capable of wearing many hats and that’s why he’s one of the top utility players you’ll find in this area regardless of class.
3) JAMES GROSS JR. | ROCK CREEK CHRISTIAN | OVERALL RANK: #51
At 6-foot-3, Gross is a world-class athlete who has the size and strength to defend in the post, but also the quickness to guard smaller players on the perimeter. He can play 2 through 4 right now and still has plenty of room to grow.
4) MALCOLM DREAD | GONZAGA | OVERALL RANK: #59
Dread earned his stripes defensively and has taken pride in becoming a lockdown defender. A high-level athlete who plays a fearless brand of basketball, he is capable of hanging with some of the area’s top guards and wings on the perimeter.
5) AARON JASPER | ST. MARY’S RYKEN | OVERALL RANK: #61
Jasper is a versatile guard who is capable of stuffing a stat sheet. He displays a keen feel for the game, plays with tremendous effort on both ends of the floor and is becoming a top-tier defender.
6) AFAMDI ACHUFUSI | SIDWELL FRIENDS | OVERALL RANK: #65
Achufusi is a defensive-minded guard who is capable of guarding 1 through 4. On the offensive end, you can post him against smaller guards or let him initiate offense from the wing.
7) SAVEON JACKSON | KIPP | OVERALL RANK: #66
Jackson has played every position for his team, including the 5 at times. Listed at 6-foot, he is a guard by trade but due to his length and vigilance has willingly filled a myriad of roles for his team.
8) KRIS KING | ARCHBISHOP CARROLL | OVERALL RANK: #77
King is a skilled hybrid forward who does a bit of everything well. He can score from all three levels and guard several different positions.
9) MARK AIKEN | THURGOOD MARSHALL | OVERALL RANK: #79
Aiken is a sharpshooting combo guard who can play on and off the ball. He’s capable of defending both guard spots and has done whatever it takes to keep his team in games.
10) KENT KING | ARCHBISHOP CARROLL | OVERALL RANK: #82
Like his twin brother Kris, Kent King Kent King 6'3" | SF Archbishop Carroll | 2021 State MD is a combo-forward who has an expansive skill set. He’s a solid defender and a crafty scorer who can consistently put the ball in the basket with his wide arsenal of go-to moves.