CLASS OF 2020 STOCK RISERS
The Class of 2020 has some serious talent walking on the floors of there respective high schools come this fall. With some players coming back from a successful grassroots season, these young men will lead the pack as some of the up and coming faces around the basketball world.
The live period is now over and we only have a couple more week before we are back in the gym and highlighting teams and players for fall league play. Before that, we get underway with our reviews of the this spring and summer grassroots season and those that stood out. Today, we are going to look at some of the guys who raised their stock from the last live period in July. These are guys who might be deserving of a higher level of interest based on their play this summer.
Class of 2020 5’10 guard Bradley Graham had defenders on skates this year at the NW PREMIER SHOWCASE in Seattle, Washington.
I had the chance to see quite a few games going traveling from Bellevue College, Renton High School and Lake Washington. I also got the chance to see some of the top talent in the state. What I look for are the elite level players who are what I call “gym rats.” The kids who aren’t on the national stage but have the ability and skill to compete at that level. Quick, can change direction at the drop of a dime, can pull from anywhere on the floor and will leave your ankles and shoes in the backcourt if your not careful whet guarding him.
I was fortunate enough to get a glimpse of who I think will be one of the top guards in the State of Washington by his Senior year and even though I have seen a lot of basketball in the state of Washington throughout my years. I have never came across a player who excited me like this young man. Already at the age of 15 has some of the best handles I have seen on this side of the mountain. A quick release and limitless range. Literally has eyes in the back of his head and can see a play develop before it happens. He put few of the Boise Slam players in a spin cycle with some of signature moves.
Class of 2020 6’5 wing Peter Erickson looks to have a break out July. Grassroots Team: FOH Seattle
Already receiving some interest from schools around the pacific northwest, Peter plans on solidifying himself this summer as a force to be reckon with. Standing at 6’5 and expected to grow even more, he has already developed the reputation as the one of the top “SNIPERS” on this side of the mountain.
I was very impressed by Peter’s lateral movement and his ability to shift and/or change direction very quickly and in compact motions. Additionally, he plays very hard and with an edge which I like. I can see Peter is taking his game up a notch as his body fills out, he gains strength and continues his hard work. He should be cautious with strength and conditioning in regards to gaining weight. He should look to gain lean muscle mass and not to gain a lot body weight. Peter is in a great position with FOH where he will get great Coaching, competition, skill development, education and guidance. With the July viewing period in full effect, I am looking forward to watching his game grown and watching him take full advantage of the opportunities he will receive. This a great time in a young ball players life and he should definitely take it all in.
Class of 2020 5’11 point guard Micah Paulsen looks to put his name on the map with an impressive play this whole entire summer grassroots season.
In this era, it is rare to see players stick it out at the same school for four years, especially with the increased popularity of reclassifying and transferring to get improved opportunities. For Hockinson High School standout Micah Paulsen, that is not an option. He is dedicated to the mission and overall goal at Hockinson High and understand there will be difficulties, leading the rebuilding of the program after they graduated some key seniors this year has Micah laser focused.
This upcoming season will be a challenge for the 5’11 point guard, as he has to take an entirely new group of players and make the most out of what they can this season. It is something new for Micah considering he is only a sophomore, but based on a report from MAX HOOPS, Micah is definitely one of the standouts in his class.
Hockinson High School 6’4 wing Peyton Brammer has good size and mobility. Excellent area rebounder that snatches boards with his strong hands. Versatile offensive threat. Peyton has expanded his game to where he is now a legit threat in the pick and pop game shooting it. Good screener that can both pop and roll to the hoop. Good hands catching passes in traffic and finishes with a soft touch around the rim. Seals in the high/low game. Solid passer out of the post. High IQ type of player and with the expansion of his long range shooting can really spread the floor and make room for others to attack. High level D1/D2 wing/forward prospect that has his stock on the rise heading into July.
Eric Butler – 6’1 – Team Blackout – 2020
Eric Butler has some of the smoothest moves you will see coming from a sophomore in high school. He has a quick release which enables him to pull at any given moment. He can play either the one or the two and has a very high IQ. His ability to play off the ball is where he shines the most because he is able to break the defense down and get to the room with ease. You should start to see some of the top Pac 12 programs going after this young man.