2021 Rankings Update: Swiss-Army Knife Standouts

<p>The class of 2021 rankings has been updated, and there is plenty of movement throughout the entire list. We added the most players that we have ever had and did our most thorough observations to choose what we deem to be our most thought-out rankings yet. This season was a bit different as it was condensed, so we took summer ball and mixed it with what we were able to see throughout the season as well. Here’s who we have as players that help their teams in ways that go beyond the scoreboard and step up when it matters.</p> <h2 style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="916987" first="Ben" last="Hageman"] –Windsor</strong></span></h2> <p>Hageman is the definition of a swiss-army-knife and was the most utilized player in all of 4A when you take all things into account. He might’ve been the only player in the state to legit play all five positions, and that is while being 6’2. Hageman has the strength of an ox as he is not easily backed down by bigger players, and what he lacks in length, he makes up for in heart. Hageman refuses to be outworked on the block, steps out and rips guards in the open court with great timing and reads on defense, and plays the passing lanes. On offense, Hageman was a nightmare matchup as teams had difficulty adjusting to cross switches, and with him having the ball in his hands and being one of the best finishers at the rim, he was a difficult cover. Hageman put up an impressive stat line of 18.4 points and 7.0 rebounds a game as he led Windsor to a 14-2 record and the No.1 overall seed in the playoffs. The Wizards had a deep push but came up a bit short, but no fault to the do-it-all combo-guard Hageman, who was named as a 1^st Team-All-State member after his big season. Hageman is one of the top unsigned seniors still remaining and the No. 24 player in the class.</p> <h2 style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1043307" first="Isaiah" last="Thomas"] – Manitou Springs</strong></span></h2> <p>Thomas is a player that we were high on heading into the season as he had a great junior year summer where he hopped onto the scene and did not look back after. In his senior year, he served us right as he helped lead Manitou Springs to a 15-2 record. Thomas is a strong wing with guard still and a great feel for the game. His 6’4 stature has him guarding bigs as he does not allow opposing players to get in a rhythm; he attacks the glass and can start the break as soon as he gets it. Thomas has a smooth shooting stroke and the ability to break a defender down and finish through contact but finds most of his work in transition and on off-ball cuts. Thomas finishes well around the basket, has a set of go-to moves, and does not shy away from contact. He is a selfless leader with high upside, and Nebraska-Wesleyan knows that they got a hidden gem in Thomas. His best basketball is ahead of him.</p> <h2 style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="916954" first="Kendale" last="Johnson"] – George Washington</strong></span></h2> <p>Johnson has been a player whose game has continued to adapt over the years. He went from a solely inside dominator that got out in the open court for plays above the rim in his first two seasons to opening up the rest of his game and seeing the court from a different lens in Year 3 and 4. Johnson is a tough cover because, at 6’4 and a college-tailored body, opposing teams have been forced to put the bigger and slower players on him. He gets by them and gets to his mid-range sweet spots. He shoots over smaller defenders when the switch comes. Johnson is a solid rebounder and an underrated passer. He sets up teammates, gets the ball at the high-post, and patiently waits as the play develops. This season for the Patriots he was a bit up and down as he averaged 9.5 points and 6.5 rebounds a game. He showed up when it mattered and helped lead GW to another state championship push. Johnson had a mix of inside and outside game in the state playoffs but attacked more and used his body. When Johnson realizes his size, strength, and athletic ability and combines it with the outside shooting, there will not be much that anybody can do with him.  Johnson finishes off his DPS career with 1,000 points scored, a feat I have not seen done much in that conference over the past decade. He has the will to win, creates advantages for his team, and is a player that schools should pay attention to.</p> <h2 style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1047484" first="Miles" last="Branch"] – Colorado Prep</strong></span></h2> <p>From what we have seen, Branch is a skilled 6’9 big man that has an excellent motor, plays with great energy, and has a remarkable feel for the game. He reads what the defense is giving him and takes it. He boxes out, soars for rebounds, and when he comes down with it, has the ability to start the break himself. He possesses the ability to space the floor with a reliable jump shot and makes smart reads to get the ball to the open man. He is not a high-maintenance player that has to be the ball to be effective, but he can make plays happen once he has it. Branch passes out of the post, feels the double team, and powers through contact for and-1 finishes. Branch plays above the rim as he runs the floor well and is a player to watch as he will be sticking around for a Post-Grad year.</p> <h2 style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="916966" first="Jason" last="Simental"] – ThunderRidge</strong></span></h2> <p>The ThunderRidge Grizzlies were crowned state champions a month ago, and Simental was a big reason for it. Simental was a focal point of the offense as a microwave scoring option that could score in bunches and did not turn down open shots. He created off of the dribble, attacked the basket, and was dangerous in the open court as a scorer. But with injuries to their point guard, he was put into a role where his game had to adapt, and he had to step over to the lead guard role; and while it took a bit of time to adjust, he made the switch and showcased his versatility. Simental sacrificed his scoring to put the team in a position to win. He became more of a playmaker, generated points off pressure in the frontcourt, and had contagious energy. Simental was still able to score this season as he put up 12.8 points a game and was an aggressive downhill attacker. He was one of the Grizzlies' top players on both ends of the court this season and saw his game elevate in the playoffs.</p> <h2 style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="916974" first="Griffin" last="Lauritano"] – Evergreen</strong></span></h2> <p>Lauritano has been a fixture in CHSAA basketball for the past three seasons as a 3-year starter and has turned plenty of heads along the way. The 6’5 do-it-all wing is one of the better multi-sport athletes we have in the state that is a force to be reckoned with on the court and gridiron. He has no problem taking the tough shot, scores with ease, and a tenacious rebounder. He was Evergreen’s best player for years and has seen his game develop over the years. In his senior season, despite outside forces deterring, he found a way to reach a new level. Lauritano put up 15.2 points and a career-best 8.2 rebounds a game. He scored both inside and out, ran the floor for finishes, worked through double teams and face-guards, and still managed to be the best player on the floor every night. Lauritano was the team’s captain and emotional leader, gave his team a chance to win every night, and it is honestly a travesty for it to have ended the way that it ended –without him being able to play when it mattered most. I am sure that Griffin will use the moment as a lifelong learning experience and go on to accomplish great things. He was named as an Honorable Mention to the All-State team and has a bright future.</p>