Caroline DucharmeThe COVID-19 pandemic has done no favors for the basketball scene. Some states have had little to no indoor sports competitions while others have played nearly a full summer. The rankings expansion from ProspectsNation.com was delayed as events typically held in the summer shifted to fall. With hundreds of hours logged working with and evaluating players the 2021 prospect rankings are reloaded.
AT THE TOP
Much like the 2020 class, the top slot in 2021 has been held from beginning to end by the same player, Azzi Fudd of Arlington, Virginia. And deservedly so. Not even a knee injury could knock Fudd off her perch.
The top 10 did see a shuffle with Aaliyah Moore, the Texas commit from Moore, Oklahoma, playing her way up to No. 5. She’s a unique player in that her size and strength allows her to play with her back to the basket, but her skill set and athleticism allow her to impact the game all over the floor.
RISERS
Caroline Ducharme of Milton, Mass., has been on a war path to show she’s among the nation’s elite. Her Connecticut commitment didn’t lead to her taking her foot off the gas, in fact she pushed her foot through the floor. Her size at the guard position, couple with her range and overall toughness on the court.
#11
Raven Johnson of Atlanta, Georgia, is one of the most explosive two-way point guards in the class and her work the past year has done nothing but solidify her status among the guard in country. She continues a long-standing pipeline of Atlanta-Area talent littering the top of the rankings. Much like Te’a Cooper before her, she’ll take on all comers.
Jersey Wolfenbarger of Fort Smith, Arkansas, is a truly unique prospect. Despite growing to a full 6-foot-5 prospect, she plays the guard position naturally.
Jillian Hollingshead of Powder Springs, Georgia, had a heck of a summer as well. True post players dwindle in numbers, it seems, annually. So for a player to have length, touch and ability to score on the blocks or facing up only increases her value at the next level.
Madison Conner of Chandler, Arizona, brings terrific size to the point guard position. But what really makes her special is her unique gifts as a passer. She has vision and ball skill to extend plays and really stress defenses. She rewards teammates who move without the ball with easy buckets.
NEW FACES
Knisha Godfrey of Riverview, Florida, was terrific dating back to the high school season prior to the COVID-19 outbreak. Her play at Tampa Bay Tech did not go unnoticed and she debuts in the ELITE 150 at No. 36 before she head off to Mississippi State next year.
Jayla Smith of Indianapolis, Indiana, had a terrific summer with the Gym Rats. The 5-9 combo guard and Purdue commit is cool under pressure and can score the ball at multiple levels. Her play these past five months earned a spot in the top 50 ant No. 42.
