2016 Rankings: Top Stock Risers
Many players in the 2016 class improved their ranking since our last update. Here’s a look at the most notable stock risers. Elijah Thomas 6’5” SF Sunrise Mountain (Saint Mary’s) Current Ranking: #5 Previous Ranking: #9 Notes: Thomas’ positioning in…
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Continue ReadingMany players in the 2016 class improved their ranking since our last update. Here’s a look at the most notable stock risers.
Elijah Thomas 6’5” SF Sunrise Mountain (Saint Mary’s)
Current Ranking: #5
Previous Ranking: #9
Notes: Thomas’ positioning in the rankings only moved up four spots but he worked himself into a clear top five slot after dominating in his final month of basketball. Elijah has always had the tools to be one of the top five guys in the 2016 class but finally put them to use in the state tournament. He single handedly led the Mustangs deep into the playoffs. Thomas ended on a strong note and his confidence soared which, hopefully, will carry him into his freshman season at Saint Mary’s.
Bryan Battle 6’4” SF Higley
Current Ranking: #20
Previous Ranking: #27
Notes: Battle had a dominant senior year, completely turning around Higley’s season from a year ago. He also had solid showings during the live period. Bryan is a versatile wing with size. He is special with the ball in transition and has continued to improve his perimeter game. While some Division-II programs have shown interest, Battle could opt to go the junior college or prep school route.
Lawrence Combs 6’6” F Mountain Pointe
Current Ranking: #27
Previous Ranking: #35
Notes: Combs had a solid finish to his senior year. The 6’6” forward followed that with a great spring period with Powerhouse Black 17U. He’s a high motor and lengthy prospect that pounds the glass and finishes through contact. He’s also got the ability to defend multiple positions.
Drew Hatch 6’3” SG Mesa
Current Ranking: #36
Previous Ranking: #82
Notes: No senior did more for themselves during the month of February than Mesa’s Drew Hatch. The 6’3” sharpshooter led his team to a Division-I state championship while playing without their other standout senior Darius Goudeau.
Jacob Inclan 6’4” SF Sunnyside (South Mountain CC)
Current Ranking: #37
Previous Ranking: #61
Notes: Inclan was the key factor for one of the state’s top Division-II teams all season. The physical wing did everything from handling the ball, to scoring from the outside, to scoring with his back to the basket, and defending just about every position. Jacob will join Daven Vo, John Ortega, and South Mountain Community College next season.
Rex Greabell 6’7” PF Estrella Foothills
Current Ranking: #61
Previous Ranking: #77
Notes: Greabell had a very strong finish to his high school career. The 6’7” senior may have been the most dominant performer at the state tournament as he combined size, strength, toughness, and a feel for the game around the basket. Unfortunately, the Wolves fell to the SCA in the title game.
Antaveus Brown 6’4” SG Estrella Foothills
Current Ranking: #64
Previous Ranking: #85
Notes: Similar to his teammate Greabell, Brown was great throughout the month of February. He was the second biggest piece to an Estrella Foothills team who finished second in Division-III. His length and ability to stroke the ball from the perimeter were huge.
Dane Maggi 6’4” SG Sunnyslope
Current Ranking: #68
Previous Ranking: #91
Notes: Maggi had a strong month of February. He led ‘Slope all the way to the Division-I state title game before falling in a close matchup to Mesa. While he was always known as a shooter he showed great grit and toughness which boosted his stock.