Postseason Report: 2021 Wings to Watch
With the grassroots season on hold, 2021 and 2022 high school prospects are missing an opportunity to earn college recognition. With certain players already at a disadvantage due to school location, the grassroots season is a chance for guys who…
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Continue ReadingWith the grassroots season on hold, 2021 and 2022 high school prospects are missing an opportunity to earn college recognition. With certain players already at a disadvantage due to school location, the grassroots season is a chance for guys who wouldn’t get as much attention to gain valuable experience against other high-end talent players.
Until the grassroots season starts up again, it’s a waiting game.
While we wait, here are some wings to watch from the 2021 class:
Lucas Schumacher, Linton/HMB
Schumacher is one of the top overall players in the 2021 class and carried Linton/HMB all year, averaging 22 points, seven rebounds and better than four assists per game. He’s a big, athletic and cerebral guard who can shoot over the top of defenders, get to the paint and finish or make plays for his teammates.
Caleb Duffield, Bowman County
One of the best all-around pure scorers in Class B, Duffield has been a catalyst for a Bowman County team that’s been one of the top teams in Region 7 the last two years. He’s not the biggest guy and is more of a combo guard than a pure point, but his ability to shoot, create his own shot, get to the rim and pressure the passing lanes makes him a handful for the opposition.
JaeShaun Shaw, Four Winds/Minnewaukan
Shaw has been a starter each of the last two years for the Indians and is one of the best two-way wings in Class B. His numbers have been modest, as he’s good for 10-15 points per game, but his ability to impact the game on the defensive end of the floor gives him all-state potential next year. He’ll take on a bigger role offensively as a senior for a team that will go in with high expectations.
Will Obioha, Grand Forks Red River
Obioha missed most of his junior season with a knee injury, and as a guy who has arguably the highest upside of anybody in the 2021 class, lost time on the grassroots circuit is a major missed opportunity. The 6-foot-5 wing has shown he can impact the game in a lot of ways. He’s an excellent slasher who has shown improvement as a ball-handler and facilitator, and can legitimately guard four positions at a high level. If he continues developing his jumpshot, he’s going to garner a lot of attention.
Tyler Thilmony, Mandan
Thilmony stepped into a starting role for the Braves as a junior and held his own, averaging better than eight points per game on solid efficiency. He’s a solid shooter and showed he can make plays when given playmaking responsibilities the previous summer and during the seasons. He’ll have ample opportunity to put up big numbers next year for a Mandan team that’ll be greener than it’s been in a long time.
Braden DeKeyser, Fargo Shanley
DeKeyser didn’t take as big a step as expected between his sophomore and junior seasons, but he was strong late in a year helping the Deacons get to state. With their leading scorer gone to graduation, a lot of the offensive responsibility will fall on the multi-year starting swingman and he’ll have an opportunity to put up some big numbers.