A Look Inside Our 2021 Player Ranking Update
1. Jade Hill, Minneapolis South, 5-9, point guard, remains at #1 Ever since we started paying attention to the class of 2021 about two years ago, Jade Hill has been the most-skilled player in the bunch. The only thing that's…
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Continue Reading1. Jade Hill, Minneapolis South, 5-9, point guard, remains at #1
Ever since we started paying attention to the class of 2021 about two years ago, Jade Hill has been the most-skilled player in the bunch. The only thing that's changed is Jade has gotten better and she's gotten bigger, and in the home stretch of her third season season at Minneapolis South there is not much disputing that Jade is a the queen of this year's freshman class. She's a terrific ball handler, a great distributor, can shoot the three from anywhere and is capable of beating pretty much anyone you want one on one. Hill is shooting 43 percent from the field with averages of 16 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists and 3 steals per game. She is our consensus number 1.
2. Jenna Johnson, Wayzata, 6-1, forward, up from #6
Jenna Johnson had a great summer of AAU ball with North Tartan and we were impressed enough to award her the #6 spot in our initial class of 2021 rankings. It's a huge jump, however, going from 8th grade summer ball to playing varsity in the Lake Conference, where only the strong survive. At the time we wrote, “It may be tough for her to get big minutes at Wayzata right now but great things lie ahead.” Scratch that prediction because the big minutes came quickly and the future is now. Jenna scored 18 points in her very first high school game, and is a big reason why Wayzata is still undefeated. The 6'1″ forward is a versatile, athletic presence. She is smooth and confident and makes everything look easy. Johnson is an elite four who has earned a promotion to #2.
3. Kaylee Van Eps, Chaska, 5-10, guard/wing, down from #3
At first glance, Kaylee Van Eps doesn't strike you as an elite athlete. She's not super smooth like Johnson, doesn't handle the ball with the finesse of Jade Hill, and won't wow you with her speed or athleticism. But put her on the floor anywhere, any time against anyone and she's going to be a dominant force. Van Eps is big and strong and versatile. She has high IQ and makes great decisions. This year she is drawing intense defensive attention at Chaska and is still putting up 14 points a game. Van Eps rebounds hard, blocks shots and makes everyone around her better. The Fury 2021 Blue leader is already entertaining very nice D1 offers.
4. Adalia McKenzie, Park Center, 5-10, guard, up from #18
When Adalia McKenzie first appeared on the scene with Tayler Hill Elite a couple of years ago there were two things that became immediately apparent. First, she is an unbelievable athlete, perhaps the best in the class. Second, her basketball skills left a lot to be desired. Fast forward to today and and the Park Center guard/wing is still the most athletic player among the freshmen. As for her basketball skills? They are elite and getting better. McKenzie has put in the work to improve and has been dominant many nights. One on one she is virtually unstoppable. Her shot has improved dramatically and now she is working on adding the three to her repertoire. All of that adds up to a monumental leap from #18 to #4 for the Stars Hersch talent.
5. Nora Francois, DeLaSalle, 6-0, forward, down from #3
Nora Francois is a smooth, athletic big who has been outstanding for DeLaSalle for the better part of two seasons now, and she has been shining star on Tylor Coley's AAU team for longer than that. Unfortunately, neither team will have her services in the near future as Francois suffered a serious knee injury recently. We are told she's going to be sidelined for several months. Nora is a big-time player and that will be a big-time loss for both teams.
6. Ellie Dague, Henning, 5-10, guard, down from #4
Ellie Dague missed much of the early part of the season with an ankle injury, but was dominant when she returned. Dague was averaging 22 points a game for Henning, where she has been the best varsity player for three years now. Then it happened again, and the big guard is once again on the sidelines with a bad ankle. The North Tartan guard offers a rare combination of size, strength and skill. She rarely turns the ball over, is incredibly unselfish and can usually come up with the big basket when it is needed the most.
7. Erin Lamb, Stewartville, 6-2, forward, up from #10
Stewartville has been pretty average in recent years. Today they are one of the best AA teams in the state thanks to the presence of Erin Lamb, probably the purest shooter in the class. She is graceful and skilled, a leader on and off the floor, and is a natural scorer. Last year she was very good individually, putting up eye-popping numbers as an 8th grader. This year she is the undisputed leader of a very good team that keeps on getting better. Lamb moves to Fury 2021 Blue this summer.
8. Paige Meyer, Albany, 5-6, guard, remains at #8
Paige Meyer is quick and skilled and can change speeds as effectively as anyone around. She's the type of dynamic, explosive talent who can bring fans out of their seats and put opponents on their heels. The Comets guard is tough and physical and plays at a higher level of intensity than just about anyone. Her vision is impeccable and her maturity on the court is impressive. Now Paige is also putting up 14 points a game.
9. Jordyn Lamker, Maple Grove, 5-11, guard, up from #17
Jordyn Lamker was very effective last summer for North Tartan, and her combination of size and skill made her a very compelling prospect. When the high school season started, however, Lamker went to a whole different level and plays with tremendous confidence. Jordan scored 19 on opening night, and hasn't looked back. Maple Grove is a top 10 big-school squad and Lamker is one of the key reasons why.
10. Katie Borowicz, Roseau, 5-5, point guard, down from #7
Katie Borowicz may be the most exciting player in the class of 2021. She played a crucial role in Roseau's state championship last season as an 8th grader. With the graduation of older sister Kylie, she has been even more important this time around. Katie is averaging 20 points, 5 rebounds and 5 steals per game while shooting 58 percent. The Stars Hersch guard has stunning basketball IQ and the heart of a lion. Rumor has it she has also grown a couple of inches, too.
THE BIG MOVERS
4. Adalia McKenzie, Park Center, 5-10, guard, up 14 places from #18
See above.
9. Jordyn Lamker, Maple Grove, 5-11, guard, up 8 spots from #17
See above
16. Sophie Hart, Farmington, 6-4, center, up 6 spots from #22
At 6'4″ in her stocking feet, Sophie Hart is the biggest player in the class. She's also one of the most improved, and is maturing into a solid varsity player for a strong Farmington team that also boasts #20 Payton Blandin and #21 Paige Kindseth.
29. Frankie Vascellaro, Holy Angels, 5-10, wing, up 23 places from #52
A solid all-around player with a big frame, Vascellaro has much to offer at Holy Angels. Some nights she is a designated defender, a task at which she excels. On others she is a scorer, including a 31-point performance against Como Park.
32. Miah Monahan, Glencoe-Silver Lake, 5-6, guard, up 13 places from #45
Miah Monahan certainly caught our attention in AAU ball with the Fury. This winter the skillful point guard has become a force on her high school team, following in the footsteps of two highly-accomplished sisters.
TOP NEWCOMERS
17. Jordyn Hilgemann, Marshall, 5'10, forward
There are no less than seven newcomers in the top 40 and 31 in total, but none has had more of an impact than Marshall forward Jordan Hilgemann, who is averaging 19 ppg for the Tigers.
20. Peyton Blandin, Farmington, 5-8, guard
The talented guard plays a crucial role on a young Farmington team that has been impressive all season. They have three of the best players in the class and a top 10 2020 in Molly Mogenson.
25. Caela Tighe, Big Lake, 5-11, wing
Caela has been a revelation. After lurking in the weeds last summer with the Suns, the long and lanky Tighe has stepped into the spotlight as a freshman with 16 ppg and boundless energy every night.
27. Ivane Tensaie, Concordia, 5-6, point guard
Ivane is a cerebral point guard who is leading a resurgence at AA Concordia. A great leader who can handle the ball, Ivane has tremendous range and distributes with poise and efficiency. She's also scoring 16 ppg.
37. T'Naye Griffin, Park Center, 5-11, post
On a Park Center team with very little size, T'Naye has had to take on much more responsibility than you can reasonably expect from a 9th grade big, and she has done it well. Griffin is still raw but her potential is excellent.
39. Kate Trachsel, Prior Lake, 5-8, guard
After spending the summer on a low-profile Top Flight team while also playing elite soccer, Trachsel has made a very bold statement in the high school season. She is a starter who scores 11 per game, has a huge motor, and is already one of the state's premiere defenders.