2021 Rankings Update: Top Small Forwards/Wings

<p>Since the last rankings update in March, we have had some major movements up the rankings boards, including some players who are new to the rankings altogether. This update comes after some players have had massive AAU seasons and "summer ball" in June with their high school teams. Multiple members of the class now hold D1 offers and others have shown they are worthy of those honors soon. Here’s a look at the best Small Forwards and Wings in our 2021 Rankings.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="700960" first="Zek" last="Montgomery"], Fern Creek - </strong>Zek had one of the best summers of anyone in Kentucky. His perimeter jump shot is greatly improved and his motor hasn’t stopped running. He plays bigger and longer than he is and can guard 1-4 which many in Kentucky struggle to do. Assuming he doesn’t grow any more (he still could) the next step in Montgomery’s evolution is becoming a knock down shooter. He’s already become a much better shooter. If he can be a knockdown shooter from behind the three point line, he can be a mid major or better D1 wing.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="922991" first="Scotty" last="Draud"], Beechwood - </strong>Scotty fell from the top spot in our rankings but it’s more of a result of poorly timed illness. Draud missed all of July with mono, including the certified AAU period and missing out on the NCAA evaluation camp last week. Now 6’6, Scotty has the prototypical size college coaches covet in a shooting guard or small forward. With his game still evolving and another full year of AAU ahead, Draud still projects as a D1 player when all is said and done.</p> <p><strong>Dee Stepp, West Jessamine - </strong>Stepp has really improved over the past two years and is finally being allowed to play as the playmaker he can be when he’s playing his best basketball. At 6’4 or maybe even 6’5, Dee is a promising prospect. The next step is to be a consistent shot maker. My favorite part of Stepp’s game is that he’s not afraid to step up and be a vocal leader, holding teammates accountable on the court. Dee could be the best player in the 12th region this season if he keeps playing with the motor he has shown this summer.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="923000" first="Sam" last="Conley"], Spencer County - </strong>Sam is a strong wing who is at his best when he’s bullying his way to the rim. Consistently improving as a shooter and playmaker, Conley can reach his ceiling by becoming a lights out shooter. If he starts knocking down three pointers at about 40%, the driving lanes will open up for him. If Sam can perfect the one dribble pull up, he could be among the top scorers in the state in the 2021 class.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="923005" first="Tyler" last="Slone"], Oldham County - </strong>Tyler has earned some valuable experience this summer playing up on the 17u level with the Louisville Legends and that should translate back to his game at Oldham County. Tyler, like Conley, could elevate his game by perfecting the one dribble pull up. Slone tends to either shoot threes or layups and if he can add the midrange game, he can help get Oldham County out of a loaded district and back to the 8th region tournament.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Other Names to Know:</strong></span></p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="793770" first="Wyatt" last="Vieth"], Saint Henry - Wyatt is a solid wing prospect at 6’4 and is one of the better small school players in the state.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="923007" first="Isaiah" last="May"], Johnson Central - May missed almost the entire Summer with a sports hernia but looks to get Johnson Central to Rupp this winter.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="923008" first="Jared" last="Wellman"], George Rogers Clark - After GRC lost a lot to graduation, Jared will have to fill a large void in both scoring and leadership.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="923019" first="Camden" last="Williams"], Elizabethtown - A three sport star, Williams and [player_tooltip player_id="530678" first="JaQuais" last="Franklin"] will have E-Town in contention in the 5th region.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="700979" first="Kole" last="Brown"], Madison Central - Brown is going to be the first scoring option for a team that will be young but dangerous.</p>