2021 Class Rankings Breakdown: The Top 5
With our release of the 2021 class rankings, there are several names that have not yet become household names. That is usual for junior classes with many players looking to have their breakout seasons this year for their high school…
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Continue ReadingWith our release of the 2021 class rankings, there are several names that have not yet become household names. That is usual for junior classes with many players looking to have their breakout seasons this year for their high school teams. It’s the time that we see all of the workouts, film sessions, and playing experience begin to shape a player into what they are going to be. We expect this list to continue to shuffle this season.
Even with this class still shaping up, there is little question of who the five best players are. With all of these players making a huge impact for their team this past season or expected to make one this year, it’s clear as to why they are highly placed. The players in this class are full of potential, but these five have already shown that they will be significant players at the next level. As the season continues we pledge our commitment to continue to evaluate players as they continue to grow in this game. Let’s dive into our top five.
Sania Feagin 2019 USA Women’s U16 National Team photoSania Feagin (Forest Park) is our number one ranked player. She has length, skill, and athleticism. The hybrid forward can play on the perimeter or in the post. She is a game-changer in every sense of the word. She can defend multiple positions, score at the rim, and has the ball-handling and IQ to lead the break when snagging defensive boards. She is a physical player that can be crafty, although it’s not often needed. She is also a great rim protector who uses her length to punch shots while avoiding fouls.
Kayla McPherson (Madison County) is the number two ranked player in this class. The 2018-2019 Georgia Gatorade Player of the Year is a flat out scorer. McPherson can get to the basket almost anytime she chooses. A blur in transition, she uses her speed and excellent ball-handling to weave through traffic. She can create her own shot using dribble moves, jabs, or counter moves to get separation from her defenders. She is an all effort defender as well who likes to lock up other guards.
Raven Johnson (Westlake) comes in at a close number three ranking. A point guard in every sense of the word, Johnson controls the game on both offense and defense. She understands the situation of each offensive possession and uses her IQ to pick her spots to score or distribute to teammates. She is a three-point shooter with range but often times turns heads with her ability to make acrobat finishes at the rim. A two-time state champion in Georgia her leadership ability is elite.
Hollingshead times her jump to grab a rebound. (Photo courtesy of Ty Freeman)Jillian Hollingshead (Holy Innocents) ranked number four is a skilled forward. Hollingshead is a combination of length and skill with great fundamentals to her game. She has a quick trigger in the painted area and has a good elevation when shooting her jumper in a congested area. She is a good screener with good footwork that makes her very effective in pick-and-roll situations. She has enough touch to knock down the three. She’s a good rebounder and runs the break as good as most guards.
Sacha Washington (Collins Hill) rounds out our top five as she holds the five spot. Washington is a strong, physical post that brings double-double potential every night. She is a tenacious rebounder and a good post scorer. She has a good looking jumper in the painted area and is pretty consistent inside of the arc. She has great hands and can finish in traffic in the painted area using both physical toughness and good footwork on post moves.