Austin Rankings: 2021 Guards Pt.3 (#6-10)
This is Part 3 (#6-10) of the Austin Rankings Series that highlights the top 25 point guards, combo guards, and shooting guards in the 2021 class from the Austin-Metroplex and surrounding areas. Part 1 (#16-25) Part 2 (#11-15) Here…
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Continue ReadingThis is Part 3 (#6-10) of the Austin Rankings Series that highlights the top 25 point guards, combo guards, and shooting guards in the 2021 class from the Austin-Metroplex and surrounding areas.
Here is the Austin Rankings Series: 2021 Guards #6-10:
#6 – JahVante O’Conner | 6-3 PG | Austin High
O’Conner has great length for the point guard position and uses it to his advantage. A crafty playmaker with the ball in his hands, O’Connor displayed highlight reel passes and the ability to find his open teammates in his junior year hudl tape. He has a really good understanding of the pick-and-roll offense and can either pull up from three or blow by his defender. O’Conner has a very deep shooting range and isn’t afraid to pull the trigger even with a hand in his face. He does a great job of using his length to be disruptive on the defensive side of the court. Earned All-District 25-6A First Team.
#7 – Braedyn Dawes | 6-3 SG | Vista Ridge
A true shooting guard prospect, Dawes lit up the scoreboard for the Rangers during his impressive junior season. Dawes averaged 17.4 points per game over 30 contests, while also contributing 2.6 rebounds, 1.9 assists, and 1.6 steals per game. He shows great movement without the ball to get open, comes off screens very well, and has a picturesque shooting motion. With the ball in his hands, he deploys a variety of moves to get a clean shot up, including effective pump fakes and crossover step-back shots. Dawes is a high volume scorer and three-point shooter. Earned All-District 13-6A First Team.
#8 – Jailen Bedford | 6-3 SG | Hutto
Bedford is a great athlete who is smooth and fluid in his movements on the court while providing an explosive burst when going toward the rim. He plays with good strength and is aggressive when the ball is in his hands. Bedford has smooth handles and can create open shots for himself in the mid-range. Shot 34% from three-point range and 80% from the free-throw line. Averaged 8.4 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.4 steals per game. Had 7 games of 15+ points on the season, and showed his scoring potential with a 30 point performance in Hutto’s playoff victory over A&M Consolidated. Earned All-District 18-5A First Team.
#9 – Cade Mankle | 6-4 CG | Austin Westlake
Mankle was a key piece to Westlake’s 33-2 record last year and is a big-time player returning to the Chaparrals backcourt this upcoming season. Mankle plays primarily shooting guard for Westlake, but his skills give him the versatility to play either guard position. A lethal three-point shooter who is especially good in catch-and-shoot opportunities. Consistently has his feet set and ready to shoot, and can sink shots with pressure in his face. He has good size for the position, and he plays with great vision and anticipation.
#10 – Marcus Martin | 6-2 CG | Northeast Early College
Martin had a breakout year during his junior season for the Raiders. An outstanding athlete with great length, Martin is explosive in his cuts and can burn past defenders on his way to the basket. He plays fast and can get to the rim with ease. Martin crashes the boards aggressively and is a good offensive rebounder. Does most of his scoring near the rim or in mid-range, but is a willing deep-range shooter. On defense, he plays with toughness and good intensity. Earned All-District 25-5A First Team, Newcomer MVP.