2021 class: A shuffle in the top 10
Before the 2019 season started, I listed the top 10 players in the 2021 class. Now, we are in March, and I felt the top 10 needed a little makeover. A newcomer came into the state this season and instantly…
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Continue ReadingBefore the 2019 season started, I listed the top 10 players in the 2021 class.
Now, we are in March, and I felt the top 10 needed a little makeover. A newcomer came into the state this season and instantly made a splash. There were also a couple of players who were on a redemption tour.
This list will never stay the same, and I’m pretty sure it will change before the start of the 2020 season.
Here’s an updated list of my 10 players in the 2021 class:
Moussa Cisse, Lausanne: Cisse arrived in Memphis, Tennessee at the end of the AAU season. The 6-foot-11 big man already had made a name for himself at Christ The King Regional, so he wasn’t a secret. In his first season with the Lynx, Cisse averaged 21 points, 13.3 rebounds and 8.1 blocks per game. He was a big part of Lausanne’s state title run in Division II-A. He also was named Mr. Basketball in the league.
Kennedy Chandler, Briarcrest: Every blue blood program wants the 6-1 point guard. Chandler knows how to control the pace of the game. He hardly gets rattled. As a junior, Chandler averaged 20 points, four rebounds and four assists for the Saints. He took home another Mr. Basketball award in Division II-AA. Chandler also led Briarcrest to a state-runner up finish.
Johnathan Lawson, Wooddale: Lawson put up 50-point performances this season. The 6-8 guard/forward had a lot of memorable performances. His 24-point, 15-rebound and 11-assist performance against Hamilton was just one of many. In a semifinals round matchup of the Class AA West Regional Tournament against Bolivar Central, Lawson had 26 points, 12 rebounds and nine assists. He’s must-see TV.
If the TSSAA can somehow find a way to play the state tournaments, Lawson will have a chance to lead the Cardinals to back-to-back state titles in Class AA.
Alex Anderson, Tipton–Rosemark Academy: The South Alabama commit wanted to prove a point this season that he was more than a one-hit wonder after blossoming into a force as a sophomore. He put the Rebels on his back this season, averaging 24 points, 15 rebounds and six assists per game.
Drew Williams, Hamilton Heights: Williams is a physical 6-7 forward. He doesn’t mind crashing the boards and going after 50-50 balls. In the Hawks’ win over Evangelical Christian, New York in the semifinals round of the NACA National Championship, Williams had 22 points and knocked down six 3s. Yes, he’s a force on the offensive end.
David Dixon, MAHS: Dixon didn’t play a full season due to the transfer rule from a private school to a public school and yet, he did damage. The 6-8 forward averaged 21 points, 15 rebounds and seven blocks per game for the Lions, who made their first-ever appearance to the Class A Boys State Tournament this season.
Kameron Jones, ECS: Jones averaged 19.5 points, 5.7 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.5 steals per game for the Eagles. He led them to the Division II-A Boys State Tournament semifinals round. Jones is another special player to watch.
Isaiah Jones, East Nashville: Jones flirted with double-doubles all season long. At 6-6 ½, he’s a force on the boards. That’s his strength. I had a chance to watch Jones last summer and came away impressed with how well he runs the floor. Jones averaged 15.3 points and 9.8 rebounds per game for the Magnets, who are in the Class AA Boys State Tournament.
Alden Applewhite, Houston: After a sophomore season that was riddled with injuries, Applewhite had to prove to viewers that he’s one of the best players in this class. In big games against Lausanne (25 points in a 57-44 victory), Olive Branch (18 points in a 63-50 win) and Whitehaven (22 points in a 60-54 loss in the Region 8 AAA Championship), the 6-6 combo guard proved he’s not afraid of the bright lights. Applewhite is one of the main reasons the Mustangs are in the Class AAA Boys State Tournament.
Patrick Smith Jr., Goodpasture: Smith is another stat filler. This spot was up for grabs. I was choosing between Smith and JP Pegues (Hillsboro). Both are worthy of this spot. It could change in the near future. Smith had his team one win away from the final four of the Division II-A Boys State Tournament, but his junior season wasn’t a failure.
He put up Mr. Basketball finalist-like numbers (18 points, four assists, four rebounds and four steals) for the Cougars. Smith should do the same next season and stake his claim as a Mr. Basketball finalist. He’s gifted enough to do so.
Side note: Hillsboro is in the Class AAA Boys State Tournament. That’s where Pegues made his name. He’s a big part of the team’s run. That’s why I had to mention that the 10th spot is up for grabs. It’s a close race.