2021 Rankings Update: Best Bigs
In this article:
Perhaps the easiest position to define on this list, the job description of a big is relatively simple: they are supposed to dominate the interior by scoring, rebounding, and protecting the rim. If they have the ability to knock down…
Access all of Prep Girls Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingPerhaps the easiest position to define on this list, the job description of a big is relatively simple: they are supposed to dominate the interior by scoring, rebounding, and protecting the rim. If they have the ability to knock down jumpers or handle the ball, that’s a bonus. While this may sound relatively easy, in practice it’s anything but. It requires a combination of size, athleticism, and skills that few players possess. Here are the juniors in the state who best embody that combination.
Marissa Gasaway Marissa Gasaway 6'0" | PF Silver Creek | 2021 State IN , Eastern- As mentioned above, rebounding is one of the core skills required of a big, and nobody is better at it than Gasaway. She averaged 14 rebounds per game last season, 2nd in the state and tops among returning players. She also averaged 17 points per game while carrying her team’s offense despite being double and even triple-teamed by every team they played, showing plenty of offensive skills to combine with her incredible rebounding.
Marie Kiefer Marie Kiefer 6'2" | C Bishop Brossart | 2021 State KY , Bishop Brossart- Kiefer possesses the inside domination one looks for in a big on a level that few others in the state do. She is a double-double machine, scoring and rebounding at a level that cannot be stopped, not mention her rim protection skills. Her awesome size combines with strong interior skills to make her one of the most unstoppable players in the state.
Raigan King Raigan King 6'0" | C Pineville | 2021 State KY , Pineville- Interior players are expected to score at with great efficiency, and King certainly does that. She shot 63% from the field this season, an elite number for anyone, but especially for a player who attempted more than 8 shots per game. She did her damage around the rim, combining her natural size and athleticism with some excellent inside moves to make her an elite interior scorer.
Kelsie Woodard Kelsie Woodard 6'1" | C Menifee County | 2021 State KY , Menifee County- Another double-double machine, Woodard is another player who dominates the boards in addition to scoring. She hauled in 13.2 rebounds-per-game last year, a strong second to Gasaway among returning players. She also played a physical inside game, not shying away from contact on her way to scoring.
Sidney Thomas, Holy Cross (Covington)- If just by virtue of her size, Thomas represents an almost impossible to stop inside presence. One of the tallest and biggest players in the state, she bullies other players inside. While she is not a top scorer, Thomas rebounds at will and opponents don’t have much luck trying to score on her inside.
Trinity McGee, Christian County- McGee can be a game-changing presence on the inside. She has the skills to defend the rim, pulls down all the rebounds she needs to, and score in bunches. If she can improve her consistency and start scoring at a higher percentage, McGee has the ability to be one of the state’s top players.