North Dakota Rankings: The Top 10
With AAU hoops starting up shortly, we’ll have actual basketball to break down again. Until then, let’s take a look at some of the best players in the 2021 class. Here are the top 10 players in the 2021 class:…
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Continue ReadingWith AAU hoops starting up shortly, we’ll have actual basketball to break down again.
Until then, let’s take a look at some of the best players in the 2021 class.
Here are the top 10 players in the 2021 class:
Will Obioha, Grand Forks Red River
The top prospect in the state, Obioha has the prototypical frame and athletic profile to play on the wing at the college level. He’s excellent on the defensive end of the floor, combining length, quickness and smarts and does his best work as a slasher and finisher offensively.
Carson Lamp, Jamestown
Lamp is an excellent two-way combo guard who makes up for his lack of height and length with strength. He’s an excellent shooter off the catch and the bounce, sees the floor well and can finish in traffic. He’s a tough defender who will fight over screens, contest shots and pressure the ball.
Gavin Keller, Kindred
One of the highest upside guys in the 2021 class, the 6-foot-9 forward has the shooting touch and range defensively to be an impact player at the next level. He’s got to get bigger and stronger, but he’s shown a willingness to bang inside and rebound in and out of his area. He’s coming off a solid junior year in which he averaged 16 points and eight rebounds for a balanced Kindred team and he’ll be in position to put up massive numbers as a senior.
Owen Hektner, Fargo Davies
Hektner is one of the best pure shooters in the 2021 class but there’s a lot more to his game than a feathery touch. At 6-foot-6, he’s got the ability to defend up or down an opposing lineup and he’s a sound decision-maker offensively.
Jacksen Moni West Fargo Sheyenne
Another uber-upside guy in this class, Moni showed a ton of progress over the course of his junior year for the Mustangs. At 6-foot-9, he’s an excellent position defender who has improved as a rebounder. He’s a good passer offensively and has the potential to space the floor with his jumper. He’s got to continue developing physically but there’s upside to be tapped into for a college program.
Jase Crockett, Northern Cass
There might not be a more dynamic lead guard in the state than Crockett, who despite being 5-foot-10, is a terrific scorer from all levels of the court. He’s built like a defensive back and uses his strength to his advantage on both ends of the floor. He’s excellent at getting to the paint and can shoot it proficiently from deep. And defensively, he puts pressure on the ball and the passing lanes.
Lucas Schumacher, Linton/HMB
Schumacher is one of the most talented athletes in the 2021 class and is a multi-sport star for the Lions. At 6-foot-2, he’s a strong, athletic wing who can control the game as well as any player in the state. He’s a solid long-range shooter, an excellent finisher in the paint and an adept mid-range scorer who makes the game easier for his teammates.
Gunner Swanson, Bismarck
Swanson was a breakout star in the 2021 class in the last year, emerging as one of the best players in the state during his junior year. The 6-foot-5 swingman knocked down better than 40 percent of his 3-pointers and showed the ability to create his own shot and defend up or down a lineup.
Jesse White, White Shield
White is one of the most explosive guards in the state and stuffed the stat sheet as a junior, averaging 24 points, eight rebounds and eight assists. He’s not the biggest or strongest guy, but he’s relentless in his attack and makes scoring look easy from all levels.
Deonte Martinez, Minot
Martinez was arguably the best point guard in the WDA last season and when he’s good, he’s a stat-sheet stuffer despite lacking great height. He’s excellent at getting into the paint and either finishing in traffic or drawing defenders and pitching out for easy looks. And when he’s on, he’s a strong defender who can make life uncomfortable for opposing ball-handlers.