2021 Rankings Update: Biggest Risers
The 2021 class is a month removed from their freshmen seasons at the high school level and many are headed into their first AAU season as recruit-able athletes. Because it is so early, there is a lot of volatility in the rankings right now. We’ve had several prospects go from un-ranked to highly ranked and others fall out of the rankings all together. Here’s a look at the biggest risers in the 2021 rankings update:
Kelly Niece, Simon Kenton (Unranked –>5) – Niece is a big time scorer who will get chances to play in front of coaches this spring and summer with Indiana Elite 16u. Prior to our last rankings, we hadn’t seen Niece but he impressed immediately. Kelly is a crafty scorer who can attack the rim and has good shot mechanics that help him shoot a good percentage from 3.
Isaiah Mason, Bowling Green (19–>9) – Long and athletic. Mason has as high of a ceiling as anyone in the class. The only questions right now are about his motor and if he can remain engaged on the defensive end. In order to keep moving up the rankings, Isaiah needs to get his motor running all the time and continue developing his skill level.
Anthony Woodard, Russellville (Unranked–>14) – “Rooster” plays hard and was an impact player on both ends for the Panthers this past season. Woodard has good size and athleticism already and will continue to improve as he ages and matures. As he grows, Woodard needs to continue developing his skills and improve as a jump shooter.
Connor Robinson, Clay County (Unranked–>20) – Robinson is a highly skilled guard who is much more comfortable going to the rim than he is shooting from the perimeter. Connor is a good finisher with either hand and has a good spin move that he uses to get past defenders. To reach the next level, Robinson will need to get more confident in his jump shot and become a better on-ball defender.
Nash Divine, Muhlenberg County (34–>26) Nash is a heady point guard with a high IQ. Divine is more of a pass first point as opposed to looking for his own offense, first. Divine only shot 33% from the field while starting much of the season for the Mustangs so he will need to improve as a shooter. Improved lateral quickness will also help him guard his position and start getting looks for the next level.