2021 Rankings Review: Biggest Risers

<p>The North Dakota class of 2021 player rankings have been updated.  Here is a look at the prospects who rose the most after strong senior seasons so far…</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="750166" first="Jesse" last="White"] (2021) |5-11 G| White Shield</strong> – <u>New Rank #3 Previous Ranking #9</u></p> <p>Mr. White will likely be a candidate for Mr. Basketball. He has had an amazing career and most importantly Jesse is having a phenomenal senior season. He is putting up impressive numbers with 30 ppg, 7 rpg, 6 apg, and 4 spg. Jesse scored 45 points in one game this season and made 8 three-pointers in a game. His 3-point range is unlimited. He is a human highlight reel. Jesse is a dynamic scorer who can put the ball in the hole from all over the court. Jesse can finish around the rim in more ways than you can imagine. He has ball-on-a-string handles and he is a precision passer. You must watch this stud play before the end of the season. Jesse is a rare talent!</p> <p><strong> </strong></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="750185" first="Jah'Heem" last="Leake"] (2021) |6-8 F| West Fargo Sheyenne</strong> – <u>New Rank #5 Previous Rank #51</u></p> <p>He is one of the leaders for the Mustangs who are #1 in the State. Jah'Heem should be in the running for EDC Senior Athlete of the Year. He is averaging 17 ppg, 10.3 rpg, and 3.2 apg. Jah'Heem is a Division-1 level athlete. Everything he does comes easy. He can score inside, midrange, and from deep. Jah'Heem is a matchup nightmare and he is a versatile defender. Jah'Heem will have an incredible highlight video to watch at the end of the season. I have witnessed many rim-rattling dunks from him this year. I am expecting a big State Tournament run out of Jah'Heem and the Mustangs.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1046343" first="Latrel" last="Davis"] (2021) |6-3 G| Fargo Davies</strong> – <u>New Rank #6 Previous Rank #70</u></p> <p>He and the Eagles are hot right now! Latrel is having as good of a second half of the year as anyone in the state. He is averaging 16.4 ppg, 6.2 rpg, 3.2 apg, and 39% from 3-point range. Latrel is great at slashing to the rim and knifing through the defense. He is an athletic and crafty finisher. Latrel can finish with power or with finesse depending on the situation. Latrel had the best dunk I have seen this year in a game against West Fargo. He has been shooting it well from 3-point land lately. He has an impressive first step. Latrel and the Eagles will be a scary matchup in the playoffs.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="731900" first="Carter" last="Birrenkott"] (2021) |6-5 F| West Fargo</strong> – <u>New Rank #8 Previous Rank #20</u></p> <p>He might be the favorite for the EDC Senior Athlete of The Year. He is averaging 21.9 ppg, 8.9 rpg, 3.1 apg, and an impressive 60% on FGs. Carter has the best and most accurate runner/floater that I have seen this season. He is a powerful and explosive player. Carter is great off the bounce who can finish at the iron or pull up short with his floater. He can hit the mid-range jumper as well with his soft touch. Carter is a force on the glass. He can post up smaller players and blow by bigger defenders. Carter and the Packers are ready to make a run in the State Tournament.</p> <p><strong> </strong></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="750167" first="Nick" last="Kupfer"] (2021) |6-3 G| Bismarck Legacy</strong> – <u>New Rank #10 Previous Rank #19</u></p> <p>A stud athlete who is playing D1 football next year. He and the Sabers are playing excellent basketball right now and ranked #4 in the State. Nick is leading the WDA in scoring with 24 ppg. He is averaging 7.2 rpg and he put up 46 points in a game earlier this season. He has a great feel for the game. This lefty is a true scorer. Nick has a finger-roll finish that appears to be a work of art. He is a smart player that takes what the defense gives him. Nick is excellent in transition and he is an athletic finisher around the basket.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="998903" first="Aiden" last="Rebel"] (2021) |6-5 G| New England</strong> – <u>New Rank #13 Previous Rank #45</u></p> <p>He is one of the most underrated players in North Dakota. Aiden is a scoring machine. At 6'-5” and a guard he is a difficult matchup for every team. Aiden is averaging 25.2 ppg, 10rpg, 3 apg, and 3 spg. He had a game earlier this season where he dropped 48 points and grabbed 12 rebounds. The fact that he scores 25-points a game is impressive because he gets chased the entire game and is double-teamed constantly. Aiden has a perfect jump-shot with great elevation and balance. He has next-level moves and ridiculous finishing ability. If you have not watched him play yet this year, you need to make that a priority!</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="998917" first="Walker" last="Wold"] (2021) |6-3 F| Lewis &amp; Clark/Berthold</strong> – <u>New Rank #29 Previous Rank #64</u></p> <p>He is a pure shooter and scorer. Walker averages 23.5 ppg and 9.1 rpg. He gets chased and double-teamed every game. Other teams will use a box-and-1 and a diamond-and-1 on him. Walker is still scoring at a high rate. He can fill it up from anywhere on the court. Walker can post-up, spot-up, pull-up, and slash. He is a dynamic player on the offensive end. Walker has flawless shooting form that looks effortless. If he is left open, he rarely misses. He is another player that you need to see hoop. If you like watching a skilled scorer, Walker is it.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="998907" first="Khamani" last="Steckler"] (2021) |6-8 F| Fargo South</strong> – New Rank #40 Previous Rank #58</p> <p>The big man owns the paint on offense and defense. Khamani averages 14.6 ppg, 8.4 rpg, and shoots 57% on FGs. He is a beast who can bury you in the post and finish with a soft touch. Khamani has powerful post moves and a quality baby-hook shot. He likes going to his left shoulder when on the block. Khamani can step out to 15-feet and knock down the jumper. On defense, he blocks and alters shots. He moves very well for his size. Watch Khamani and the Bruins in post-season play. They have a good shot at making it to the State Tournament.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1046338" first="Seth" last="Robinson"] (2021) |6-2 G| Midway/Minto</strong> – New Rank #41 Previous Rank #57</p> <p>Seth is a dynamic guard with a good head on his shoulders. I watched him record a rare triple-double earlier this season with 20 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists. He is a superb rebounder for his size. Seth has solid shooting form and great feet. He has an excellent pull-up jumper. Seth is a smooth guard and appears to have a great demeanor. He is excellent eyes on the court which make him a prolific passer. Seth is deadly in transition. Look out for Seth and Midway/Minto in the Region 2 tournament, they will be a tough out.</p> <p><strong><em><u>Full 2021 Rankings List:</u></em></strong></p> <p><a href="https://prephoops.com/dakotas/rankings/north-dakota-rankings/2021-rankings/">https://prephoops.com/dakotas/rankings/north-dakota-rankings/2021-rankings/</a></p>