Class of 2021 Rankings: Newcomers

<p>Prep Hoops Missouri takes a look at a dozen players who are making their debuts in the updated Class of 2021 rankings. Some are newcomers by moving into the state, while others have risen their stock while a few of them just were overlooked and should have been in the rankings last year (my bad).</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="824111" first="Jaden" last="Jones"] 6’7" St. Louis Christian: The four-star shooting guard came to St. Louis last season from prep school power Prolific Prep (CA). He is a smooth scoring threat with tremendous 3-point shooting range. He fielded more than a dozen collegiate offers before giving a commitment to Rutgers.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="824118" first="Trevon" last="Brazile"] 6’7" Parkview: A long and lengthy wing player who can impact the game at both ends of the court with his skills and athleticism. He is a skilled offensive player who can score on the drive or make perimeter jumpers. On the defensive end, he can block shots inside or get deflections with his length.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="824129" first="Mayen" last="Maen"] 6’8" St. Louis Christian: A native of Calgary, Alberta, the long Stretch 4 came to St. Louis last season and had a productive season at SLCA. On offense, he has an excellent stroke from 3-point range to stretch the floor. On defense, he uses his length to be a very effective rim protector.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="824122" first="Tavion" last="Banks"] 6’6" Ruskin (pictured): An explosive forward who led Ruskin to a 20-victory season in 2020. He is capable of making game-changing plays with his athleticism with a big block on the defensive end or an emphatic dunk on the offensive end. He is a triple threat with his ability to score, rebound and block shots.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="824135" first="Jaden" last="Monday"] 5’10" Van Horn: A talented small point guard with a scorer's mentality and the skills to put up big numbers. He is a blur in the open court who can get into the lane and score on layups and floaters. He combines it with 3-point shooting range as he averaged 23 points a game as a junior.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="824152" first="Javion" last="Byers"] 6’3" Liberty: A solidly built shooting guard with three-level scoring capability. He has a nice step-back jumper off the bounce from 3-point range that is very effective. He can score on tough takes to the basket and get to the free throw line.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="824153" first="Malik" last="Johnson"] 6’3" North Kansas City: A long and lean shooting guard with a creative offensive game off the dribble. He can slither his body into the lane for layups and floaters or pull up for mid-range jumpers and 3-pointers. He can also use his length to create steals on the defensive end.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="824161" first="Christian" last="Bradford"] 6’3" Park Hill: A crafty lefty wing player who is at his best when he is getting to the basket. He has the ability to change directions on the dime and work his way in and out of tight spaces to get buckets in the lane. He also makes good use of the backboard.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="824165" first="Keashon" last="Petty"] 5’10" Parkway North: A speedy point guard who is a blur in the open court. He is capable of getting into the lane against any defender and can finish inside with a variety of shots at all kinds of different angles. As a junior, he averaged 19 points a game.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="824181" first="Kameron" last="Bevel"] 6’2" Confluence: The talented shooting guard stepped in and had an impact junior season after transferring from Vashon. He is a very skilled offensive player who can create his own offense and score in a variety of ways.</p> <p>Sterling Desha 6’3" Jefferson City: A smooth wing player with good size and a versatile skill set. He has a smooth stroke from 3-point range along with the ability to get his buckets off the bounce. When he is one his game, he can put up the points in bunches.</p>