A Quick Look at the Debuting Guards in the 2021 Rankings

The addition of 19 players caused the 2021 rankings to expand to 118 for the December refresh. September's update itself had built on the 75 included in March's. With the high school season now in full swing we look to offer another refresh around mid-season. Below is a look at some of the guards new to the rankings. [caption id="attachment_129962" align="alignleft" width="205"] St. James Academy 2021 guard Claire Worthington works to finish quickly.[/caption] <strong><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/claire-worthington/">Claire Worthington</a>, 5'7", SG, St. James Academy, KC Dream</strong> - An Eastern Kansas League honorable mention selection a year ago Worthington debuts at #19.  Contributor Joel Webb describes her as a good ball handler and defender. He also says she "continues to make her case as one of the elite level shooters in Kansas. Her quick release and unlimited range has helped both her high school and her club team compete in every game. Last year she had a hand full of 6 or more made 3's. She averaged at least three made 3's per game. Claire is a high IQ girl who leaves it all on the court."  She averaged 12 points, (50% 3 pt %), 4 rebounds, and 3 assists in 2019. [caption id="attachment_129976" align="alignright" width="211"] Blue Valley Northwest guard Megan Edwards is shown finishing during a early December contest. Photo courtesy of Blue Valley Northwest News.com.[/caption] <strong><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/megan-edwards/">Megan Edwards</a></strong><strong>, 5'7", SG, Blue Valley Northwest</strong> - An Eastern Kansas League honorable mention selection a year ago Edwards debuts at #31. The <a href="http://www.sunflowersmack.com/">Sunflower Smack Show</a> describes her as a "fast, hustling guard with good bounce." She is also a "dangerous three point shooter off the catch." Edwards has quick hands and gets gets down the floor off the steal. She has good handles and attacks the basket with either hand. <strong><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/mackenzie-kenzie-hart/">MacKenzie "Kenzie" Hart</a>, 5'7", PG, Olathe West, KC Dream</strong> - Hart debuts at #32. A year ago she led the Sunflower League in steals (3.4 pg) and assists (4.4 pg). <strong><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/lasharea-richardson/">LaSharea Richardson</a>, PG, Olathe East</strong> - Richardson comes in at #42.  Contributor Joel Webb states that while she is not the fastest at the PG position she is really crafty and has great vision. [caption id="attachment_129954" align="alignleft" width="300"] Olathe North's <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/amiya-mack/">Amiya Mack</a> is pictured at PGH 250 Expo Iowa.[/caption] <strong><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/amiya-mack/">Amiya Mack</a>, 5'5", SG, Olathe North, Team KC Hoops</strong> - Mack debuts at #82. At the Iowa PGH 250 Exposure event in October Mack had some interesting moments on both ends of the floor. She showed defensive quicks by stopping a dribble drive; speed, athleticism, and scoring ability off the drive; and a nice floater with the smarts to make the glass her friend against taller defenders. Improving consistency in boxing out away from the shot and how she physically engages in potential action when she relaxes will make her even more formidable. <strong><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/cassidy-corby/">Cassidy Corby</a></strong><strong>, 5'5", G, Nemaha Central, Lady Prospects</strong> - Corby joins the rankings at #106.  Contributor Willie Dotson, attending October's Lady Prospects Exposure event, noted that she is a smart, all-around player with shooting ability and looks to contribute valuable minutes to the current class 3A #1 ranked Thunder. <strong><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/kierstyn-domsch/">Kierstyn Domsch</a></strong><strong>, 5'8", G, Rawlins County, NWK Stars</strong> - Domsch joins the rankings at #108.  She has shown use of good ball fakes to set up a dribble drive, the ability to drive baseline to finish with athleticism, and to hit from beyond the arc.  Averaging 8.3 points and 2 steals per game through the first six games of the 2020 season. <strong><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/taylor-claussen/">Taylor Claussen</a></strong><strong>, 5'11", G, Manhattan, Wheat State Elite</strong> - Classen joins the rankings at #115 and is first year starter for the Indians. Having a diverse skill set and good size Claussen will be one to watch as the season plays out. <em>Featured image: Nemaha Central 2021 guard Cassidy Corby drives on an opponent while playing for her Lady Prospects club team during July, 2019. Photo courtesy of Lady Prospects Basketball Club.</em>