2021 Rankings Update

Joe Esquivel-Murphy September 15, 2020 @ 12:54 PM

The 2021 rankings update is finally here. After a postseason and summer circuit was cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a rankings update was needed after, especially with Jonathan Kuminga Jonathan Kuminga 6'8" | SF The Patrick School | 2020 #1 Nation NJ reclassifying into 2021 to join the G-League Pathway Program. His move up was Trey Patterson Trey Patterson 6'7" | SF Rutgers Prep | 2021 State #36 Nation NJ ’s gain as the Villanova commit is the top ranked player in the 2021 class.

The Rutgers Prep forward has an all-around offensive game as he can attack the basket from the perimeter, draw contact and knock down shots from behind the arc. Patterson was a Second Team All-State performer last season and should end up on the First Team after a strong senior season.

Blair Academy’s Jaylen Blakes Jaylen Blakes 6'1" | PG Blair Academy | 2021 State #121 Nation NJ is second on the new rankings and has the opportunity to take home the top spot. The 6’1 guard is a natural leader on the floor and can make plays in a variety of different ways. Blakes can break his defender down off the bounce, finish around the rim, run the offense and bury triples. His teammate Akoldah Gak Akoldah Gak 6'11" | C Blair Academy | 2021 State NJ checks in at number four, but has the opportunity to climb into the top three.

The 6’11 big man has a nice touch around the basket and knows how to draw contact down low. Gak has a nice touch on his free throws and is developing his offensive range. He uses his combination of length and size to alter shots around the rim, making him one of the top shot-blockers in the class. Gak should receive more touches down low for Blair Academy as the Buccaneers look to establish themselves as the team to beat in New Jersey.

Patrick School’s Samson Johnson Samson Johnson 6'10" | PF The Patrick School | 2021 State #145 Nation NJ makes his first appearance in the top five, checking in at number three. The UConn commit is a lanky shot-blocker who swats almost everything he sees around the basket. Johnson runs the floor hard and will be the benefactor of numerous lobs during the course of the season. He is more than just a lob specialist as he can also step outside and knock down three-pointers. Johnson is a talented stretch four prospect who has the ability to move higher up in the rankings.

Camden Catholic’s Zach Hicks Zach Hicks 6'7" | SF Camden Catholic | 2021 State #154 Nation NJ closes out the top five and should be one of the top scorers in South Jersey again this season. The Temple commit has a smooth offensive game as he can score from all three levels. Hicks can take his defender off the bounce and finish around the rim. He has a smooth mid-range jumper and is capable of knocking down triples from behind the arc. Hicks is a skilled wing prospect who should lead Camden Catholic to another deep postseason run.

The 2021 class saw nearly 170 players added to the list. Sam Alajiki Sam Alajiki 6'7" | SF St. Benedict’s | 2021 State NJ of St. Benedict’s is the highest rated newcomer to the list checking in at number 11. The shooting guard position is the most represented with Montclair Immaculate’s Amar’e Marshall Amar’e Marshall 6'2" | PG Roselle Catholic | 2021 State NJ leading the way. The updated 2021 rankings are officially here just in time for the start of the new school year.