Top 50 Player Breakdown: 2021 Shooting Guards
In anticipation of the 2020 Iowa high school hoops season, I’m taking a look at every 2021 player ranked in the top 50. I am examining last year’s film and statistics to contextualize what we will soon see on the…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingIn anticipation of the 2020 Iowa high school hoops season, I’m taking a look at every 2021 player ranked in the top 50. I am examining last year’s film and statistics to contextualize what we will soon see on the court from these players this season, and to hypothesize what development we might see as they wrap up their high school careers. If you missed the breakdown on 2021 point guards, here is part one and part two. But now, on to shooting guards.
Keaton Kutcher Keaton Kutcher 6'2" | SG Mount Vernon | 2021 State IA – Mount Vernon
Keaton has one of the more polished offensive games you’ll see this year. Step-back jumpers, versatile drive moves, and elite off-ball energy make him nearly unguardable when he is on. He cuts around screens beautifully and continues his fluidity through the catch and shot. His gravity on offense can be deadly without him even coming near the ball.
Marcus Morgan Marcus Morgan 6'3" | SG Iowa City West | 2021 IA – Iowa City West
The multi-sport star from Iowa City combines all his various athletic skills to succeed on the court. He is a wonderful athlete with above-average court vision. He can see through the layers of defense and make crisp, on-target passes through traffic. His bounce and anticipation suggest he can be an elite rebounding guard.
Karson Sharar Karson Sharar 6'2" | SG Iowa Falls-Alden | 2021 State IA – Iowa Falls-Alden
Confidence is a necessity for any shooter, and Karson never plays without it. He has extensive range, and with his high release he never doubts he can get the shot off. He is an advanced ball-handler which helps him move into his jumper cleanly. There is playmaking potential here that I hope we see explored this winter.
Manny Austin Manny Austin 6'3" | SG Des Moines Hoover | 2021 State IA – Des Moines North
Manny has athleticism built for basketball. He is an effortless leaper, always a lob threat. The 6’3″ guard gets to the basket with long and agile strides, and once he’s in the air he can readjust and finish gracefully. He gets into the chest of the post player and can just hang in the air longer. He needs slight adjustments to improve his shooting efficiency. Mainly, I see poor energy transfer throughout the shot that can be developed through mindful shooting drills.
Marcus Kelderman Marcus Kelderman 6'1" | SG Boyden-Hull | 2021 State IA – Boyden-Hull
Someone will have to replace the production lost from the graduation of two double digit per-game scorers. Marcus was very efficient, shooting 48 percent from the field, and 38 percent from three. He is a crafty finisher, and when he can get a head of steam coming downhill off a screen he is difficult to stop.
Colin McAleer Colin McAleer 6'3" | SG Ankeny Centennial | 2021 State IA – Ankeny Centennial
Colin has a consistent and easily repeatable shooting motion, which makes him a deadly spot-up shooter. When he receives the ball in rhythm, he can comfortably knock down perimeter shots from all locations. He showed flashes of ability shooting off the dribble. Growing more comfortable with that is the next evolution of his offense.
Kyle Kelley Kyle Kelley 6'3" | SG West Delaware | 2021 State IA – West Delaware
The 6’4″ senior may have a slightly unorthodox shot, but his release point makes it nearly impossible to block, or heavily contest. What I love most about his game is he has a move or counter for several scenarios all over the court. He has a very developed face-up game, where he is comfortable with the pass, shot, or drive. He must read the feet of his defender well, because he strikes at the right time when the defender might fundamentally be in a vulnerable position. This is a player to keep an eye on for a surprise breakout season.