Vantage 2019 Rankings: Underrated and Under Recruited (Part 1)
We’ve now had two years of high school and AAU basketball to break down the 2019 class, and things look much different then our first rankings of them two years ago. While rankings are always subject to change, especially with the reclass and transfer rate as it is, almost all of the players have improved whether they dropped or rose in our rankings.
When taking rankings into consideration, the Vantage Hoops team spends about a month contacting coaches and experts across the state to compile the list. There were over 250 kids we considered for the top 100, and the rankings reflect the next level potential of the prospects. Things taken into consideration include upside, high school production, head-to-head matchups, skill set on both sides of the ball and include intangibles such such as how recruitable a kid is based on grades, attitude and how coachable they are.
We will spend the next few weeks breaking down our new rankings from 2018 through 2020. Here’s a look at part one of our 2019 underrated and under recruited prospects. Enjoy, and stay tuned for more breakdowns moving forward!
Bryce Douglas | 6’0” PG | Centreville/DC Premier (#40 Overall)
Douglas can flat out score the basketball and he showed it by averaging over 15 points per game on the UA Circuit with DC Premier this past summer. A First Team All Conference selection after transferring to public school from Bishop Ireton, Douglas’ ability to fill it up from all three levels makes him a dangerous player whenever he’s on the floor. He can create his own shot off the bounce and out of the triple threat, shoots it from deep and can score in traffic with consistency. He should be one of the top scorers in the NOVA area this year, and he’ll be one to keep an eye out for division one colleges moving forward this year.
Jordan Hairston | 5’11” PG | Westfield/Team BBC (#43 Overall)
A true point guard that’s a work out warrior and floor general, Hairston has the dual threat ability of being able to take over games while also making everyone better. He lives in the gym, playing in all sorts of events ranging from top camps in the state and area to working out with some of the top trainers in the area as well. He had a good season leading Team BBC 16U to a successful campaign in their first AAU season on the Adidas Gauntlet, and he learned a lot from 17U point guard Immanuel Quickley who is heading to Kentucky. He’s still growing and seeing interest from a number of division one programs and should see some offers come in moving forward.
Cameron Savage | 5’9” PG | South Lakes/District Basketball Club (#45 Overall)
Forget his height, because Savage is exactly what his last name says on the court. He’s as tough as they come, as he’ll take a beating and get right back up and continue attacking. He’s lightning quick with the ball in his hands, is a playmaker that lives in the paint and he’s able to make tough shots from all over the floor. He’s a crafty finisher in the lane with both hands, has good vision and sets the tone on both ends of the floor. He has seen a lot of interest from low major and division two schools, and is set up to have a big junior season if he builds on his success from this past summer.
Caleb Butts | 6’4” PF | Deep Creek/Team Loaded 757 (#50 Overall)
The typical undersized four man that just produces at a high level over and over again, Butts was the driving force behind the Team Loaded 757 16U team that won over 40 games and multiple tournaments this past summer. He’s as tough as they come, hits the glass on both ends of the floor and is able to bang with bigger post players because of his strength and high motor. He can play inside-out, is a leader both vocally and by example and just continually competes on both ends of the floor throughout the game. He picked up offers from two division two schools and a division one school this summer, and with his high academics and production level there’s going to be more that overlook his height and are willing to take a chance on him moving forward.
Mack Burgett | 6’6” F | LC Bird/Dreamchasers 16U (#59 Overall)
We’re expecting a big season from Burgett who should be a key part of LC Bird after playing a reserved role for them and learning the culture on their state championship team last year. A 6’6” utility forward that’s still growing, Burgett has a high IQ both on and off the floor which should make him very intriguing to college coaches moving forward. He’s an unselfish player and good passer, can stretch the defense with his jump shot, runs the floor and finishes in transition and he can play multiple positions