Prospect Rankings: 2020 Guards (Part 1)
There’s a lot of high school and grassroots basketball left to be played for the kids included in our 2020 Prospect Rankings. Some players will play their way up the rankings, while others will digress and fall out. For that reason, most of these players aren’t a priority for college programs at this point in their career — it’s just too early!
As of right now, we have 105 prospects from the 2020 class who we’ve seen enough from to believe they’re future college hoopers. We look forward to explaining their spots in our rankings throughout the week with articles like this one, which is focusing on the combo guards and two-guards of 2020.
#6 Grant Huffman
Huffman is the top combo guard in Ohio’s 2020 class because of his combination of athleticism, ball-skills, IQ, and defensive flexibility. Lakewood St. Edward has the top 2020 class, and Huffman was one of two freshmen to start during their D-I State Final Four run a year ago.
As he improves a shooter, both from deep and off the dribble, and adds weight to his frame, Huffman’s recruitment will pop. Currently, he holds offers from Duquesne and Miami (OH).
#13 Andy Barba
Barba has collegiate size from the two-guard position at 6’5”. For the Ohio Basketball Club this summer, Barba mostly had the role of spreading the floor and knocking home triples. However, he’s athletic enough to finish in the lane also.
Early into his career, Barba already holds offers from Miami (OH), Youngstown State, Tennessee State, and Columbia (NY).
#16 Carl Blanton
Blanton has a chance to be the premier perimeter defender in a guard-heavy class. After playing limited minutes for the most exciting high school team in Ohio last season, Blanton will likely start for Trotwood the next three seasons. His effort on the defensive side and explosiveness around the rim will fit in nicely with the Rams style of play.
#18 Jake Younkin
Younkin is arguably the best shooter in Ohio’s 2020 class. His catch-and-shoot ability stretches beyond the NBA arch. He’s not afraid to light up defenses from way out there either, which could create space for his teammates to drive.
#21 Josiah Fulcher
At 6’1”, Fulcher is usually found spotting up alongside slashers and playmaking point guards. He’s able to space the floor with catch-and-shoot threes. It’ll be interesting to see if Fulcher has opportunities to play the primary ball-handler going forward for Pick Central and All Ohio Red, therefore molding him to become a true combo guard. Otherwise, he’ll probably need to grow a couple inches to reach the D-I level as a two-guard.
#24 Luke Frazier
#27 Sammy Anderson
#41 Blake Lloyd
#42 Mason Loeffler
Loeffler scored the ball from all three levels for All Ohio Gold this summer. Furthermore, Loeffler did it effectively. He hardly ever spends too much time with the ball, creating space in just two dribbles or less.
He’s pretty much a surefire 1,000 Point Club guy for Evergreen High School. Loeffler earned Honorable Mention Division III in the Northwest District as a frosh.
#48 Jordan Fenner
#52 Chris Herbort
Herbort should be a contributing member of an interesting Beavercreek team next season. He’s a hard-nosed competitor who uses the three-point shooting to set up finishes in the lane.
#55 Caleb Smith
Smith leads a Toledo Rogers freshman class that could win multiple Toledo City League crowns throughout his career. Smith has the body of a wing but proved capable of being a combo guard this summer. If he adds real consistency to his three-point shooting and tightens up his handle, Smith could jump up into the Division I range as a recruit.