2021 rankings: A new top 10

There were a lot of prospects to move up in the updated 2021 rankings.

The top 10 had another makeover and there were some moves right outside the top 10.

First, let’s dive into the new top 10.

Senior guard/forward Johnathan Lawson remained No. 1 in the updated 2021 rankings. The skilled 6-foot-8 Oregon commit has continued to show why he’s worthy of the top spot. Lawson’s length, scoring and court vision has helped Houston become tougher to beat than it was before.

South Alabama commit [player_tooltip player_id="537221" first="Alex" last="Anderson"] and Marquette commit Kameron Jones rounded out the top three. Both players have had solid seasons thus far - leading their teams in scoring - and should be in the conversation for Mr. Basketball. Both could possibly be finalists.

Creighton commit [player_tooltip player_id="548394" first="Mason" last="Miller"] moved up to No. 4. The 6-9 wing is at his best when he’s able to catch-and-shoot and drive into the lane.

Newcomer [player_tooltip player_id="1121281" first="Kidtrell" last="Blocker"] from Tennessee Prep lands at No. 5. The 6-5 combo guard has been a shining light for his team this season. The athletic guard had 27 points in a win over Hamilton Heights. Blocker can jump out of the gym, handle the basketball and make shots from the perimeter.

Ole Miss commit [player_tooltip player_id="537260" first="Grant" last="Slatten"], LSU commit Jerrell Colbert, Jaylen Pegues, Eric Rivers and [player_tooltip player_id="775542" first="Matthew" last="Sells"] rounded out the top 10.

Who else made a jump?

[player_tooltip player_id="775538" first="TJ" last="Madlock"] moved up to No. 12. The Houston Mustangs’ starting point guard is the team’s driving force. Madlock’s toughness, ability to play good defense and get into the lane with ease helped him moved closer to the top 10.

Penn commit [player_tooltip player_id="775550" first="Reese" last="McMullen"] is having another great season for Christian Brothers. The sharpshooter came in at No. 13. McMullen, a much-improved ball handler, is coming off a 20-point performance at Bartlett. He also made strides in the passing area. McMullen knows where and when to make the right pass.

Shooting guard [player_tooltip player_id="775580" first="Kley" last="McGowan"] from Cleveland moved up to No. 14. The Blue Raiders are starting to get on a roll, and McGowan has played a huge part in it. He’s still a sniper, and he’s one of the best in the state at getting to his sweet spots.

[player_tooltip player_id="775554" first="Davon" last="Barnes"] made his way into the top 30 at No. 37. The 6-5 wing has been leading Collierville on the offensive end this season. Barnes’ latest encore was a 27-point outing in a win over Fayette Ware. He’s also not afraid to rebound. Barnes will definitely help a program at the next level.

[player_tooltip player_id="537262" first="Riggs" last="Abner"] landed at No. 38. The shooting guard has made himself a name at Greeneville High School. Abner recorded two double-doubles last week. He’s just like Barnes, takes shots he only wants to take and doesn’t mind rebounding.

[player_tooltip player_id="537348" first="Ayman" last="McGowan"] went from being in the top 100 to being in the top 40. The MUS shooting guard landed at No. 44. McGowan moves well without the basketball. He makes his defender chase him off screens for the entire game. McGowan shoots the ball very well. He takes a lot of great shots.

[player_tooltip player_id="1119934" first="Joshua" last="Ward"] from FACS was another prospect move into the top 40. The point guard landed at No. 47. Ward has been the Crusaders’ most important/impactful player this season. He put on muscle in the offseason, which has helped him take contact in the paint. Ward has improved as a ball handler, passer and shooter.