Class of 2021 Rankings: Brian’s New Additions (Part 1)

With every Rankings update, our staff likes to highlight new players that have been added to the rankings in each class. Here are several from the Class of 2021 that have been included in the newest update: #39 [player_tooltip player_id="194093" first="Sofie" last="Lowis"] 5’8 Sacred Heart-Griffin / Illinois Predators Lowis: One of the best pure guards that I saw over the summer, Sofie is a fantastic player who is going to excel at the next level.  One of the quickest releases you will see, her shot is as accurate as it is fast.  A great athlete that can play the 1 and the 2 position, Sofie has a super quick crossover that will leave her defender in the dust. Sofie is a Divison 1 talent that will be a joy to watch and coach in college. #44 [player_tooltip player_id="198678" first="Riley" last="Jenkins"] 5’8 Galesburg High School / Heart of Illinois When you watch her play, you walk away thinking "I just watched a talented player that is a blast to watch!"  Riley leaves you in awe on the court.  She is a lightening quick point that can push the tempo. As fast as she is, she is never out of control.  A lefty who can change directions on a dime and find the open teammate even with the smallest window, Riley has the potential to be a 4 year contributor at the next level. #66 [player_tooltip player_id="198998" first="Mallory" last="Oloffson"] 5’11 Normal Community High School / Illinois Warriors Blue: A strong shooter who can be deadly from deep, Mallory has all the tools.  She hits the boards hard and isn’t afraid to battle down low.  She excels on the defensive end, using her strength and length to keep whomever she guards in check all game long. #74 [player_tooltip player_id="194231" first="Ashley" last="Lang"] 6’1 Downers South High School / Illinois Rockets: Ashley has the size, length and strength to be a 4 year player at the next level.  She has great body control and posses a drop step to go along with her great footwork that propels her to finish strong around the rim.  Ashley excels in the post but also play on the outside. #85 [player_tooltip player_id="194230" first="Kelsey" last="Dwyer"] 6’0 Stagg High School / Illinois Rockets Despite her thin frame, Kelsey is a worker who can rack up the rebounds and defend anyone she goes up against.  Her footwork and body placement when hitting the boards was the best I have seen at the high school level in a long time.  A hard screen setter that does a great job after the screen putting herself in position to score, Kelsey has the potential to be a unique asset to any team at the collegiate level. #86 [player_tooltip player_id="123596" first="Addison" last="Newbon"] 5’9 Decatur St Teresa Catholic High School / Illinois Valley Warriors Blue: Addison could step on a college court and be a contributor tomorrow.  A smooth player than can score from all 3 levels, Addison stays calm and collected in every facet of the game.  With no real weakness to her game, Addison will produce at the next level right away. #90 [player_tooltip player_id="201090" first="Amaya" last="Rufus"] 5’8 York High School / Illinois Rockets: A great team player, Amaya will fit any program and style at the collegiate level.  A great athlete with elite speed, Amaya can get up and down the court in the blink of an eye.  She has a good shot that pairs well with her ability to attack the rim.  A great defender due  in large part to her quick feet and reaction skills, Amaya will cause issues for whomever she is defending. #99 [player_tooltip player_id="194092" first="Emily" last="Brenneisen"] 5’11 Sacred Heart-Griffin / Illinois Predators Lowis: One of the best defenders I saw this summer, Emily can lock down a player of any size.  She excels at guarding the posts, doing a great job on girls bigger than her, while also having the speed and length to defend a guard.  A lefty that can score from all 3 levels, Emily isn’t afraid to go down low and rack up the boards. I project her as a SF at the collegiate level. #100 [player_tooltip player_id="202216" first="Natali" last="Haynes"] 6’2 Streator High School / Illinois Warriors Blue: A post with great size, Natali alters every shot in her area and has great rotation skills.  An athlete with great footwork around the rim, Natali can finish strong and has a soft touch.  She controls the glass and has soft hands as well.