Arizona 2019 Ranking Update: Posts
The class of 2019 is primarily noted for its solid guard play. However, there are a number of skilled posts. With that said, this group reflects largely the trend in high school basketball to having “combo” big men in that they are able to play the 4 and the 5. Below are the top posts and posts to watch from the class of 2019.
2019 Top Posts
Andre Harris Andre Harris 6'7" | PF Hillcrest Prep | 2020 State #269 Nation AZ 6’8 PF Red Mountain 2019 (AZ Power)
Harris has improved his guard skills and is able to play on the perimeter. However, he is solid with his back to the basket. He has a soft touch around the rim, good strength, and good footwork. Further, he is a very under-rated passer. Defensively, he is at his best guarding opposing posts. His strength and quickness make it tough for other bigs to get good position. With that said, he has been getting into better and better shape which has enabled him to guard more 4s.
Dischon Thomas 6’8 PF Hillcrest 2019 (Las Vegas Prospects)
Despite being listed as a 4, Thomas seems to be more at home on the block. He is a rebounding magnet. His ability to clean up missed shots around the rim make it easy for him to average 8 to 10 points per game without a lot of touches. Further, his athleticism makes him a great spacing big man as he is able to catch lobs once his defender rotates. Thomas has improved his back to the basket moves and is developing a more consistent 15 foot jumper.
Jalen Graham 6’8 PF Mountain Pointe 2019 (Alpha Males)
Graham is one of the most improved players in the entire state. In a recent article, I discussed why he has made a huge leap. In summarizing, he has grown and become even more athletic. He is one of the most versatile players in the entire state due to his size and athleticism. With a number of college coaches valuing length and positionless players, Graham’s stock should continue to rise as he continues to improve his ability to play on the perimeter.
Shaun Wahlstron 6’8 PF Estrella Foothills 2019 (Classics)
Wahlstrom has a consistent release point on his jump shot. He can shoot it from three and consistently from 15. Further, he has the build to play at the next level. His strength makes him tough on defense as he is able to push the opposing player around. As he learns how to use that muscle mass more and more on offense, his stock should continue to grow. He has a soft touch and good footwork; however, he needs to be more mean on the block.
Ethan Spry 6’8 PF Scottsdale Christian 2019 (Alvin Gentry Elite)
Spry returned this past season from an injury. At times, it was obvious that he was trying to get back into his old rhythm. However, at this point, it looks as though Spry is good to go. Like some of the players mentioned on this list, he is listed as a four, yet he is better suited at this point to be a 5. Although he did not play the full season, he only attempted 4 threes last year and connected on 1. He has good footwork on the block and an array of finishing moves around the rim. I fully expect for him to get back into his grove next season and create havoc for the opposition.
2019 Posts to Watch:
Griffin Bryant 6’6 PF Notre Dame 2019
Meekness Payne 6’8 PF Hillcrest 2019 (PowerHouse Hoops Red)
Lucas Elliot 6’8 PF Pusch Ridge 2019 (PowerHouse Hoops Black)
Kade Maddock 6’7 PF Canyon View Prep 2019 (PowerHouse Hoops)