Breaking Down The 2021 Rankings (Free)
Breaking Down The 2021 Rankings
Gold Standard at the Top
Azzi Fudd suffered a knee at USA Basketball and we've always maintained that players are evaluated pre-injury and Azzi’s body of work speaks for itself, her consistent play at a much higher than average level justifies the top spot.
New Kid on the Block
There are a couple of new comers to the top ten one of which being Maria Gakdeng. Maria has shown steady improvement in her game and is becoming a force in the DMV. This season will be a good marker for her as Archbishop Carroll looks to make a move into the top 5 of the WCAC.
What Posts Have Risen?
Taylor Gibson has made her way up the ranks and is the top post player in Maryland. She has expanded her game to beyond the arc and is a threat to either shoot or drive from there. Whether back to the basket or facing up she has a package that’s hard to defend. Kayla Thomas is another post that has risen her stock over the summer. She has a strong physical frame and uses it well to clear space. Both her and Taylor are great finishers down low and ironically both with be working side by side attending high school together at Bishop McNamara.
Floor Generals
Maryland has no shortage of talented point guards and after you pass Azzi Fudd the drop isn’t far at all with Jada Walker. Jada relocated to area and was one of the top players in Michigan before moving to Virginia. Now settling in Maryland at New Hope Academy where she turned a lot of heads over the season she continued to shine at BWSL on their top EYBL team. Jayla Oden has been quietly rising up the charts with her consistency, she is a playmaker that makes everyone around her better. Vashe’ Rideout is another point guard that raised her stock to round out the top ten. She not the flashy type she just simply outworks her opponents. She pushes the ball quickly up the floor and when the ball isn’t in her hands she runs at full speed even late in games.
The Wings and Stretch 4's
Saylor Poffenbarger has the length at 6’3” to play inside and the skill to run the point. Listed as a guard she will probably be on the wing on the next level. She recently committed to Connecticut and she is one of the better shooters in the area especially for her size. The next two players are a stark contrast from each other, Paige Clausen and Kayla Cabbagestalk round out our top wings. Both wings both totally different players, Paige is a constant threat from beyond the arc and opponents have to be aware of her sneaking into the passing lanes. Kayla, however, is constantly in your face harassing you on defense and is more of a threat to attack the driving lanes, both are effective at what they do best.
Who To Keep An Eye On?
There are a few under the radar players that have shown the ability to be major players in the class of 2021 that we should keep an eye on one of which is Jaida Belton. This could be her year as the focus post on one of the nations top teams Riverdale Baptist School. With all of the talent the Crusaders will have this year it will be interesting to see how things shake out. Koi Sims is another player we will be keeping a close eye on. She is listed as a post and is well capable in that role but, her game is evolving with some dribble drives and stepping out to the three a little bit, we will see how it all comes together this season. Makayla Waleed will also be having eyes on her after her performance at the Turf Wars All Star Game. She is a playmaker and with her school, St. Vincient Pallotti looking to be a player in the DMV top 20 this season, Makayla will undoubtedly play a major role for them.
Check out the full 2021 rankings here: Prep Girls Hoops Maryland 2021 Rankings
