We are looking at a set of wing prospects in the 2021 class.
Isaiah Barnes (6-5 SG, Simeon)
Barnes is a highly gifted wing that has a long list of suitors. The 6-foot-5 OPRF transfer is a three-level scorer that is just as dangerous off the dribble as he is in catch-and-shoot situations. His ability to break down defenders and elevate hesitations and one-dribble pull-ups is next level. Barnes brings elite athleticism in the open court to go along with improving strength. Don’t be surprised if you see some Blue Bloods heading to Simeon this year to see Barnes.
Connor Benson (6-5 SF, Saint Viator)
Benson is a 6-foot-5 wing that does a lot of work on the interior. He is a solid scorer out of the triple threat from 15-feet and in, ripping through to the basket and hitting mid-range shots with time. He can invert to the post against smaller opponents, using his length to score in the paint. Benson is going to be able to play either forward spot as he fills out. He has defensive upside as an above-average helpside defender who rotates well. Benson should be looked at by some D2 and D3 schools.
James Dent (6-4 SG, Springfield Southeast)
Coming off a year where he averaged 19.4 points and 6.2 rebounds, Dent is going to have a huge summer going into his senior season. With his extreme length, Dent does a nice job of guarding multiple positions. Dent is a skilled scorer that can slash to the rim or space the floor. He is one of those guards that is able to play above his listed height with his athleticism. As coaches see more of Dent, they will understand why he was an All-State player.
Jakobi Heady (6-6 SG, Hillcrest)
A big guard, Heady is a smooth shooter with a fluid release. He projects as a 3-and-D player at the next level with his combination of size, touch, and defensive potential. Heady’s deep range is at a college level, but he is developing as a shot creator off the dribble to complement that floor spacing ability. To this point, Heady has been offered by Chicago State and LeMoyne-Owen.
AJ Smith (6-7 SG, Metro East Lutheran)
Smith is a very interesting prospect at 6-foot-7. He is a solid athlete with a strong frame to play to and through contact. Smith is a good ball-handler that moves like a freight train in transition. Teams struggle to keep him out of the paint and contest him when he goes up for shots. His form is decent from the outside, but he is toughest going to the basket. With some more experience, he will be able to guard two or three spots at the next level. Smith is a prospect hiding in plain sight at Metro East Lutheran.