Top 10 Point Guards in 2021
The Class of 2021 rankings are here!
Always remember at PrepHoops.com we rank on what a player WILL BE, not on what they are today. In no way does this mean stop striving, because rankings always have flaws and always overlook good players.
You will find fans willing to put Kennedy Chandler above J Law. Eric Rivers provided a fantastic June for your evaluation. Overall the ten players on this list should play Division I basketball. They each offer something special. Most of the players below are already playing at the right speed with impressive height or muscle.
Of course this can all change and rankings are merely a flashpoint of speculation on who will do the most after high school. Still, these players earned their current rankings with play on the court.
If you want to look at the complete rankings, smash here.
The following list reveals the top 10 point guards in the state alongside their statewide overall ranking. The first player listed is the #1 point guard, and also the #2 overall player in Tennessee in 2021.
#2 Johnathon Lawson (???)
If somebody knows where the Lawson brothers are playing high school basketball this fall…I haven’t met them yet. Regardless of who J Law plays with, he will be recruited by high-major basketball coaches. Lawson has incredible length and unlike Chandler he is developing handle like a true point guard. It will really help with long term development.
#7 Kennedy Chandler (Briarcrest Christian)
Kennedy is highly respected throughout Memphis and for good reason. Kennedy buried an buzzer-beating three pointer in the state tournament. Why is that wild? Kennedy was a freshman in his FIRST playoffs. His team included multiple seniors and Marcellus Brigham. But Kennedy had the confidence and capability to force overtime. Chandler is a killer.
#11 Eric Rivers (McCallie)
Nobody in Tennessee had a better June (high school) than Eric Rivers. From junior varsity player to McCallie starter in months, Eric Rivers exploded onto the scene statewide. He routinely dropped 20+ points against veteran hoopers. Rivers can get anywhere he wants at the high school level. His knack for scoring makes him impossible to defend for most opponents.
#13 Reese McMullen (Christian Brothers)
Reese started last winter for Christian Brothers. His strengths are height, quickness, and brains. McMullen needs to get a more consistent outside shot to truly reach his potential. McMullen thrives in a nurturing setting under a strong coach. McMullen is set up to succeed with wonderful teachers, family, and coaches supporting his growth into manhood.
#16 Tadarius “TaDa” Jacobs (Memphis East)
Fast. Just staggeringly fast. When the game needs to play at top speed find TaDa. Jacobs practiced with the best in the business at Memphis East last winter. His minutes were small, but for freshmen development is king. Expect Jacobs to get more minutes this winter though he is playing behind Ridgeway-transfer Antonio Thomas Jr.
#18 Kameron Jones (ECS)
Point guard Kameron Jones (pictured right) is certainly closer. For Team Thad 15u Kameron routinely takes over in nervous moments. The lefty is one of the older players on the team. He can hit the outside shot, get to the basket, or run the offense. Kameron’s skills are broad. Playing with a smaller school forces him to be a leader at a young age. He will blossom into a high major starting guard.
#20 Brandon Maclin (Jackson South Side)
Jackson’s Maclin boasts the toughness of South Side players. He plays with grit and confidence. Maclin’s physique is unique for a young guard. Built like a football player, Maclin wowed coaches and teammates in April. Brandon Maclin opened my eyes with impressive late May Gatorade Association wins. Maclin was consistently the leading scorer.
#22 Zion Swader (Murfreesboro Siegel)
EAB 15u really landed several players on this prestigious list. Zion Swader is a muscular, ultra-quick point guard with promise. Swader starts for the exceptional EAB 15u squad and they won numerous games (and tournaments) in April with his leadership.
#23 Jordan Jenkins (Webb School of Bell Buckle)
Jenkins joins Swader in the EAB backcourt. Jenkins’ style of play is brutish with a splash of finesse. He has a impressive upper body entering his sophomore season. Most of his time spent inside the lane is successful. Jenkins will benefit from Keon Johnson’s college scouts this fall/winter. Both should play D1 basketball after graduation.
#27 Jaylen Pegues (Nashville Hillsboro)
Hillsboro did not play deep into the playoffs in 2018. Still, Jaylen Pegues grew into a floor general right before the coach’s eyes. Pegues will be leaned on this winter along with fellow sophomore Jalen Macon. This Hillsboro team is ready to rock. Pegues is very quick with or without the basketball. Expect him to gain confidence as he matures emotionally and takes on more ownership of the team.
Is this list no good? Do you disagree? Tweet @PrepHoopsTN and let your complaints known. Share your top 2021 point guards and let the debate begin!