2018 Class Rankings Breakdown: New Top 5, Risers, Sleepers and more
With the 2018 class rankings released last year in the fall, there has been plenty of movement around the state of Washington. Players are stepping up and delivering huge game performances to increase there stock. There are some dynamic duo’s emerging along with some teams who some might call, “stacked.” I’ve seen some close games between teams with records not even closely matched. I’ve seen some dunk of the year candidates along with some point guards who have increased there juice when handling the ball. There is a rise in talent this year and there is a rise in underclassmen who are really liking the bright lights and are performing against some of the best team in the state of Washington.
Below is a break down of four categories, “a new top 5,” “sleepers,” “players to watch,” and more. This a is a time to give those players some more shine and have there names mentioned. I believe that when you prove yourself that says a lot about your character, dedication and work ethic. Those guys are deserving to have there names on the board.
A NEW TOP 5:
Khyree Armstead has been on a mission this season. He was recently nominated for the McDonalds All-American Game. This young man is a work horse and believes in his ability. The couple of times I’ve seen him live there wasn’t a shot he thought WASN’T going in. In this day in age the mental part of the game is where kids struggle. Well, not this young man…
Billy Ames Sprints the floor well in transition. Does most of his damage getting to the hoop but has the ability to knock down shots. This young man has been instrumental in every game for Central Valley. He has definitely went from a low major recruit to a mid to high major recruit in a short time. I can vouch for this kids hard work. He is in the gym before and after every game and it is showing on the court.
Maurice Barnett is a high energy player, who runs the floor well. He can play the wing or bein the post, but no matter what he will give great effort and work hard. Rebounds well and defends well. Maurice is the main reason why franklin is 11-2. He has been the most consistent player on the floor in all games. His attitude is infectious on the floor. He comes to every game with a, “we will win,” attitude. Every coaches dream.
Lezjon Bonds of Lincoln high school is a very physical guard, who attacks the hoop through contact and finds the open guy. He can knock down shots if you give him enough space. His stock is rising each game. I think he knows he is a little big under the radar and I think that is what drives him. There are some kids who play with a chip on there shoulder and he is on of those players.
Alex Flor of Seattle Prep is a solid shooter, who has a limited role with his team. He has a solid handle and can set his teammates up for buckets. With the middle of the season in full swing. Alex has developed into a go to player for his squad. He has made some big time decisions in close games all season and I think coaches around the state are starting to pencil him in as one of the top point guards in the state.
RISERS:
Jalen Green of Lindbergh is a smooth lanky wing, with a smooth release on his jump shot. He still seems to be growing, so he moves a little slow, but he gets his shot off on just about anybody. Jalen has had some impressive showings this season and I expect that he will end up in the top 15 in the rankings by the end of the season.
Isaiah Hart of Chief Sealth International is a stocky guard that can finish through contact. He can earn a lot of points at the free-throw line, breaking defenders off the dribble and attracting contact. He can knock down shots as well.
Damani Kelly of Foss High School is a hard worker, that makes sure his teammates and offense is under control. He is the quarter back for his team. Solid jump shot, with a nice handle. Damani is proving that he can be a go to player for the Foss falcons. I believe that his season is just now starting. He is turning up the head this second half and you will hear more about him.
SLEEPERS:
Andrew Kenny of Bellevue High is a taller wing, with a really nice touch on his shot. He is pretty consistent and can really get it going with his shooting ability.
Colby Kyle of Monroe High is a Athletic post player, who runs the floor well. He finishes with aggressive dunks at the rim and rebounds well.
Nate Kummer of Stanwood High is a Sharp shooter with unlimited range, also a good passer, making the extra pass.
***THE 2018 PLAYER TO WATCH***
Trey Lawrence of Glacier Peak is who I choose for PLAYER TO WATCH. He is a bigger guard, with a really nice stroke. Lawrence can finish in the paint against bigs, using his strength. I have seen this young man play a D1 level in the summer and I am waiting for him to break out and be the player I know he can be. He reminds of a John Wall with his speed within the 94 feet lines of the court. He can get down the court faster than I’ve seen all year. I believe this second half the season he will catch fire and light some teams up.