2021 Top 25 Breakdown: Best Scorers
In an effort to highlight the the PGH Nebraska rankings in the most complete way possible, I’ve divided the 2021 class into 3 ranges: 1-25, 26-50, and outside the top 50. For each range I have chosen who I think are the best shooters, rebounders, passers, and scorers – 5-6 players for each category – and identified what makes them successful. Here are the best senior scorers ranked in the top 25.
Ary Harrison Ary Harrison 5'7" | SG Omaha Marion | 2021 State NE
Position: SG Height: 5’7″ 2019-2020 Pts./Reb./Ast.: 13.4/4.2/1.5
Aryannah is a legitimate three-level scorer. She is one of the most adaptable shooters I’ve watched in Nebraska. By that, I mean that she does not need the ball right in the shooting pocket, and she does not need to catch and shoot in a certain rhythm for success. If she receives an off-target pass, she is able to gather and sequence her body just as if it was on-target. She has great control of the basketball, especially when she breaks out a nasty crossover that is so low to the ground, her fingertips look like they scrape the floor. With her ball-handling she can get to her spots and quickly rise up for the pullup jumper.
Alexis Markowski Alexis Markowski 6'3" | C Lincoln Pius X | 2021 State NE
Position: C Height: 6’3″ 2019-2020 Pts./Reb./Ast.: 21.5/12.1/0.6
With clean footwork and excellent body positioning, Alexis is a problem for any opposing defense. She does her work early, sealing her defender, and does not waste any time at all from there. If she has an advantage she quickly strikes, rather than stopping the ball or taking unnecessary dribbles. Her efficiency benefits greatly from this style of play, evident in her 63 percent field goal percentage. She gets that shoulder into the defender and just buries her opponent.
Kaysia Woods Kaysia Woods 6'1" | SG Lincoln | 2021 State NE
Position: SG Height: 6’1″ 2019-2020 Pts./Reb./Ast.: N/A
I had the pleasure of watching Kaysia at the Top 250 Expo this year, and she was one of the best offensive players at the event. Her body control stands out when navigating the court. She changes direction quickly and efficiently. She moves almost as well with the ball in her hands. When a defender overplays her drive, she employs a great spin move or crossover to get to the hoop. One has to appreciate her off-ball ability, too. Her cutting and intelligent movement without the ball make her a productive player on each and every possession.
Boston Boucher Boston Boucher 5'9" | PG Wood River | 2021 State NE
Position: PG Height: 5’9″ 2019-2020 Pts./Reb./Ast.: 17.2/5.9/1.4
The goal of any defender is to disrupt the offensive player. That could mean getting a little physical, or trying to speed up or slow down your assignment to get them out of their comfort zone. Good luck with that against Boston. She plays with great pace and is able to maintain her desired pace regardless of what the defense does. She keeps defenders off-balance with hesitations, ball fakes, and manipulates them even further with her eyes. She has a good shooting stroke, and I’m interested to see if her efficiency will climb as a senior (33% from the field and 28% from three in 2019-2020).
Grace Haneborg Grace Haneborg 5'8" | CG North Platte | 2021 State NE
Position: CG Height: 5’8″ 2019-2020 Pts./Reb./Ast.: 18.6/6.9/4.4
The North Platte multi-sport standout turned in an excellent junior season on the hardwood. She isn’t a gunner from outside (2.6 3-point attempts per game), so she does a majority of her work inside the arc. Out of anyone on this list, she is probably the best ball-handler, and it’s quite a sight to see how she manipulates her opponents. When she crosses or drives, she keeps the ball close and even a little behind her own body. It makes it nearly impossible to strip the ball from her. She is an excellent give-and-go player and a smart cutter in general.