Region Rankings: 2021 Southern Illinois

<p>Time to dive into our Region Ranking Series!  In this series we will look at the best prospects from a specific area in the class of 2021!  Here are our top <strong>Southern Illinois Prospects </strong>in the rising senior class!</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>#1  [player_tooltip player_id="765176" first="Quani" last="Rudd"] (Mt. Vernon)</strong></p> <p>Rudd is the top prospect from the 618 in the 2021 class by a pretty good margin.  The Mt. Vernon standout is a wing that has size and athleticism at 6’6”.  His athleticism is probably a bit ahead of his skill set, but it is catching up.  Rudd showed growth as a shooter, but his strength is definitely putting it on the deck and getting to the rim.  Finishes with authority off the bounce and in transition.  Potential to be a very good defender once he locks in on that end.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>#2  [player_tooltip player_id="765169" first="Shaun" last="Riley"] (O’Fallon)</strong></p> <p>Riley will be the leader of a very talented O’Fallon squad that could be the favorite in the metro east this season.  Bouncy four man that is extremely quick to the offensive glass.  Second jump is one of the better in the class.  Riley has a mid-range game and is a rim runner in transition.  Brings versatility on the defensive end.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>#3  [player_tooltip player_id="920952" first="Tommie" last="Williams"] (Belleville West)</strong></p> <p>Williams has been a highly ranked prospect since he transferred across the river for his sophomore season.  The Belleville West wing saw a bigger role this past year after the graduation of the stars from the back to back state champion teams.  Williams’ strength is his mid-range game.  Likes to work in that 15-18 feet with his pull up.  Brings some toughness and anticipation on the defensive end.</p> <p><strong> </strong></p> <p><strong>#4  [player_tooltip player_id="821774" first="Noah" last="Franklin"] (Cobden)</strong></p> <p>Franklin is one of the biggest sleepers in the state.  The lefty is a point forward that passes with tremendous flair!  He is a fun player to watch because of the way he can thread the needle to his teammates.  The 6’6” small forward can stroke it from three off the catch and step in for a one dribble pull up.  Skilled prospect!</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>#5  [player_tooltip player_id="920964" first="Nathan" last="Hall"] (Collinsville)</strong></p> <p>Hall emerged during his junior year because of the way he can stretch the floor as a power forward.  Quality shooting threat spotting up or in the pick/pop.  Also brings quality athleticism to the table being able to explode at the rim.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>#6  [player_tooltip player_id="765214" first="Landon" last="Zurliene"] (Fairfield)</strong></p> <p>Zurliene has size at 6’4” and an ultra-smooth mid-range game.  He drills feathery pull ups from 15-18 feet like they are going out of style!  Skilled all-around scoring game that should translate to the next level.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>#7  [player_tooltip player_id="920981" first="Noah" last="Livingston"] (Casey-Westfield)</strong></p> <p>Livingston is a combo guard from a small school that can go!  Plus shooter off the dribble that hits deep and contested shots.  Works well around ball screens.  Crafty finisher in the paint.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>#8  [player_tooltip player_id="821806" first="Kaleb" last="Applebey"] (Mt. Carmel)</strong></p> <p>The 6’7” center has a strong base in the paint.  He can score with hook shots and touch on the block.  Really good rebounder that snatches them with two hands out of the air.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>#9  [player_tooltip player_id="920960" first="Ethyn" last="Brown"] (Belleville East)</strong></p> <p>Athletic lead guard that can finish through traffic.  Capable shooter from mid-range pulling up and shows feel getting others involved.  One of the better metro east guards heading into his senior season.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>#10  [player_tooltip player_id="652797" first="Joe" last="Melton"] (Norris City Omaha Enfield)</strong></p> <p>This 6’7” four man stretches the floor with his perimeter shot.  Works well from the mid-post in putting it on the deck a couple dribbles.  Runs the floor very well.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>#11  [player_tooltip player_id="921033" first="David" last="Granger"] (Collinsville)</strong></p> <p>Granger was a role player this past season that flashed in limited minutes.  Plus athlete that plays above the rim on both ends of the floor.  Has pop off the floor finishing offensively and swatting shots on defense.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>#12  [player_tooltip player_id="921020" first="Dre’" last="Scott"] (Pinckneyville)</strong></p> <p>Scott is a big and athletic small forward that overwhelms a lot of the competition he plays with his explosiveness.  Flashed improved skill in our viewings of him this past season.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>#13  [player_tooltip player_id="920985" first="Parker" last="Wolfe"] (Effingham)</strong></p> <p>Wolfe is the ultimate leader at the point.  He is the kind of kid that others want to follow.  The small lefty can hit deep shots and is crafty in the lane.  Creative passer.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>#14  [player_tooltip player_id="652790" first="AJ" last="Smith"] (Metro East Lutheran)</strong></p> <p>Smith is the younger brother of Mizzou point guard Mark Smith.  Big combo guard that rebounds well and has explosiveness in the paint on drives.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>#15  [player_tooltip player_id="921014" first="Nathan" last="Thompson"] (Effingham)</strong></p> <p>Small forward that stands at 6’5” with the ability to knock down shots from beyond the arc on the regular!</p>