2021 Rankings Update: Post Players
The group of post players in the rising sophomore class are talented with high upsides. While there are not a ton of posts, the ones who are in our rankings all have college potential. A couple are already hearing from colleges and have a chance to get their first college offers this spring and summer. Here’s a look at the top posts in the 2021 class:
Trey James, Sheldon Clark – Big, strong and increasingly skilled, Trey James is a difference maker on the defensive end. His offensive game is still catching up with his defense but playing up on the 17u level this spring and summer should help his game develop as he takes on kids bigger and stronger than he is. As he ages, Trey will need to become more polished with his post moves and show the ability to stretch his offense to at least the elbow. If he can do those things, James tracks as a top 100 type of player and one of the top players in the state for the next 3 years. Trey is playing with Manimal Elite 17u this AAU season on the Adidas Gold Circuit.
Darrius Washington, Fern Creek – Darrius has great size for the position and always increasing skill level. Washington is pushing 6’7 and his frame looks like he’s going to keep growing. Even if he doesn’t grow, Washington looks like a future Division 1 combo forward. Darrius will have a much bigger role at Fern Creek next season and should see plenty of opportunity to be a leader for the Tigers after they graduated 11 seniors off the back to back 6th region champions. Washington is playing AAU this spring and summer with G3 on the Under Armour Association.
Noah Gordon, Shelby County – Gordon is a 6’6″ post who possesses skills and strength but has to improve his conditioning and find a better motor. Noah’s brother James is currently playing at Toledo and Noah is already bigger than James. However, Noah is not as athletic as his bother was at the same time. Noah plays mean and is not afraid to mix it up in the paint. In order for Gordon to reach his ceiling, he needs to start pushing himself more in the weight room and get into better condition. Coaches can find Noah playing on the Adidas Gauntlet with Manimal Elite.
Hunter McNaughton, Webster County – Hunter is country strong and at his most effective around the rim. McNaughton averaged 5 points and 4 rebounds for the Trojans and also saw playing time as an 8th grader. McNaughton is a large piece of a bright future for Webster County and they could compete for the second region championship by the time that Hunter graduates. He plays with SI Select for AAU.
Trace Flannery, Bowling Green – Trace has started to make strides recently and looks like he will be a big part of Bowling Green’s future moving forward. Flannery saw varsity action a few times last season and will likely be a role player next season for one of the top teams in the 4th region. In the meantime, Trace plays AAU with Team Vision and has a bigger role as a post player than can finish around the rim and stretch the floor some as well. Flannery plays hard and makes winning plays.