2021 Rankings: Stock Risers
2021 Rankings Update: Stock Risers There were A LOT of changes to the rankings this time around- many players were shifted just one or two spots from their last position, and some moved much higher after a phenomenal high school…
Access all of Prep Girls Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue Reading2021 Rankings Update: Stock Risers
There were A LOT of changes to the rankings this time around- many players were shifted just one or two spots from their last position, and some moved much higher after a phenomenal high school season. Each one of these players has improved their game- the way they understand the game and their ability to be a force on both ends at the next level. Take a look!
Kiley Deaton Kiley Deaton 5'9" | CG Wausau West | 2021 State WI
Wausau West | 5’9 CG
Deaton has proven to be extremely versatile on the floor and with her maturity and understanding for the game- Deaton will thrive at the next level. She averaged 20 points during her senior season and had some incredible games with huge numbers all across the board. In her second game of the season, Deaton scored a season-high 36 points against a tough Lakeland team. She then scored 30 points in a victory over Stevens Point. In another win over D.C Everest, Deaton scored 29 points. She can knock down the perimeter shot but is truly fantastic when attacking the rim and using her teammates to get herself open. She understands spacing well and is consistently finding the open gap to set up her jumper or fake and attack the rim. An impressive rebounder as well, Deaton does not shy away from contact. She averaged 8 rebounds per game this season and was more than not- earning a double-double. In the same standout performance at Lakeland, Deaton grabbed a season-high 15 rebounds in the win.
Bailey Butler Bailey Butler 5'7" | PG Black Hawk | 2021 State WI
Black Hawk | Wisconsin Academy | UW Green Bay | 5’7 PG
Butler was previously ranked at the sixth spot and is now ranked third. She’s proven to live up the hype that is Bailey Butler Bailey Butler 5'7" | PG Black Hawk | 2021 State WI . For years she has been the defensive machine that helped Black Hawk to undefeated seasons and State Tournament appearances. As a senior she stepped up offensively and became one of the most prolific scorers in the state. She averaged nearly 30 points per game. A four-time All State selection along with back to back Player of the Year in her conference. She earned Miss Wisconsin 2021 as well.
Sammy Opichka Sammy Opichka 5'11" | CG Green Bay Notre Dame | 2021 State WI
Green Bay Notre Dame | Flight Elite | St. Thomas | 5’11 CG
The Notre Dame standout was previously ranked 11 in the Class of 2021. Opichka averaged nearly 18 points per game this season. She averaged 5 assists and 3 steals per game as well. This season we watched Opichka compete against the top teams in the state and remain consistent and impactful on the floor. Her team beat a top Neenah team and Opichka finished with 16 points. She dropped 19 points in a 66-1 victory over a top Hortonville team. She scored 16 points in her team’s only loss of the season to a very talented Kimberly squad. She had her season-high 33 points in a victory over Freedom.
Laura Nickel Laura Nickel 6'0" | PF Marshall | 2021 State WI
Marshall | Purple Aces | Northern Illinois | 6’0 SF
Nickel was previously ranked 17 in the Class of 2021. Averaged nearly 18 points per game, 9 rebounds and 4 assists. In a victory over New Glarus this season, Nickel scored a season-high 28 points. She did the same thing in her final game of the season against Lake Mills- 28 points. In a victory over Janesville Craig, Nickel scored 27 points. A rebounding force who will translate well at the next level, Nickel is strong enough to use her body on the rebound and athletic enough to go get the ball with speed and balance. She had a season high 16 rebounds in a 69-62 victory over Waupun earlier this season.
Jaelyn Acker Jaelyn Acker 5'7" | CG Germantown | 2021 State WI
Germantown | WI Lakers | California Baptist | 5’7 PG
Acker was previously ranked 26 in the Class of 2021. Acker might be the largest stock riser of them all as she has emerged to be one of the top point guards in her class. Her decision making, court vision and ability to score at any moment makes her incredibly lethal on the court. She’s a confident player with patience and poise. This season she averaged nearly 14 points per game. She proved to be a sniper from behind the arc. She might have one of the smoothest strokes in her class and has a lot of range to her 3-point shot. In her second game of the season, Acker scored 27 points in a victory over Kettle Moraine. She made seven 3-pointers in the win. In her semi-final victory to lead her team to a state title, Acker scored a game-high 28 points for Germantown. She made seven 3-point baskets. Acker averaged nearly four steals per game and was a defensive standout for her team as well. She earned WBCA First Team All State.
Elena Maier Elena Maier 5'9" | CG Waunakee | 2021 State WI
Waunakee | Kent State | 5’9 PG
Maier is a player who may have slipped under the radar the first couple years of her varsity career. It is important to discuss the progress she has made and how influential she will be at the next level. Her stock has risen tremendously as she continues to be an athletic, floor general with ability to score at all three levels. She will bring to Kent State- a high energy, versatile guard who is explosive off the dribble and consistent in the mid range.
Vanesa Solano Vanesa Solano 5'5" | PG Martin Luther | 2021 State WI
Martin Luther | 5’5 PG
Solano is a player that has been extremely fun to watch during her time at Martin Luther. She has everything a coach would want in a point guard. She has exceptional ball handling skills, she can score the basketball and facilitate the offense. She gets her teammates involved and knows just the right time to score for herself and take over. She’s been a leader for this team for over three years now and it in turn makes her a more confident guard as well. She’s patient and calm on the floor- never forcing or doing too much. She can knock down the perimeter shot with little to no room as well- or hesitate and take her opponent to the rack. She averaged nearly 15 points per game this season. In a victory over Catholic Central, Solano scored a season-high 29 points.
Mackenzie Holzwart Mackenzie Holzwart 5'7" | PG Howards Grove | 2021 State WI
Howards Grove | Northern Michigan | 5’7 PG
The Northern Michigan commit will be fantastic at the next level as she is explosive, athletic and can score on a dime. She’s a prolific scorer who can get to the rim, knock down the jumper or hit from long range. She is her program’s leading scorer with 1,348 career points. This season she averaged nearly 17 points per game. She led her team deep into playoff action before losing to a top Lake Mills team- she scored a season-high 30 points in that game. She’s a springy athlete with smooth shooting form at every level. The elevation she gets into her shot allows her to get her shot off against taller defenders. She’s strong with the ball as well as she doesn’t get pushed off the ball while dribbling.