2019 Class Rankings Breakdown: New Top 5, Risers, Sleepers and more
With the 2019 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:
Pierre Crockrell has teamed up with some of the best talent in the state of Washington and suits up for one of the best coaches and programs in the history of this state. Currently the Garfield Bulldogs are undefeated and it is mainly due to the play of this young man. He is the point guard and sets the tone for everybody. He is the engine that powers the train. When he gets going the others feed off his energy. The first half of the season has been great and I expect the second half of this season to be even better.
Jamon Kemp is literally creating poster dunks every game. With a point guard like Pierre and wings running the break like fuller and turner. He has a easier time getting into the teeth of the defense with a tomahawk slam. In the first half of the season he has had some big games. I do think his junior year will be one to remember. I like his improved jump shot and his willingness to run the floor. Garfield will remain undefeated and I think they will win the whole championship.
Elijah Pepper has had his fair share of accolades when it comes to the game of basketball. Currently attending Selah High School. Elijah has the size, speed and athleticism to compete at the D1 level. Winning Athlete of the year for the 201+-2017 for Selah High School he states is one of his most greatest accomplishments. A humbled, hardworking, smart and respectable young man will also remember where he comes from and will pay homage to their stomping grounds. I would argue that some of his greatest accomplishments are yet to come.
Dylan Sullivan to me is a small forward. He embodies all of the traits and skill sets of a small forwards. He is a very intriguing combination of size, fluidity and physicality on the wing. He’s capable of knocking down perimeter jump shots, but can also use his strength to overpower and expose mismatches against smaller defenders in the paint or off the dribble in transition and half-court situations. Dylan has defensive versatility, which is a strength of his, length and lateral speed allow him to guard all five positions on the basketball court. Dylan has a knack for jumping passing lanes and corralling steals which lead to easy baskets on the other end.
Jaden Mcdaniels stands 6’9 and has the skills to play inside and out on the wing. He rebounds at a high level and has the ability to push the break and advance the ball. His ball handling skills continue to improve, along with his confidence in his jump shot. As of late he has powered the federal squad to some huge wins. Jaden has the size and ability to be one of the top players in the state of Washington and potentially crack open the record books.
RISERS:
Anton Watson is a 6’7 forward out of Gonzaga Prep in Spokane, Washington. This is as exciting of news as you are going to get for the first member of the 2019 recruiting class. Watson was the Greater Spokane League MVP this past season, and he led G-Prep to a third-place finish in the Washington State 4A Tournament.
Abdul Mohammed certainly one of the state’s most promising young prospects, the 6-foot-8 forward mentioned that there’s a couple schools on the verge of offering. They just want to wait and see how he comes back from the surgery.
Cole Bajema is a talented and athletic wing who is coming into his own in recent weeks. He is getting accustomed to playing at a high level consistently, and is steadily improving as he adjusts to the speed and physicality he needs to play with at all times. A 6’4 versatile scoring wing who can defend the 1 through 3. Cole does a nice job moving without the ball, and constantly puts pressure on the rim.
SLEEPERS:
Brock Ravet is a lights out shooter, who continues to expand his game and grow as a player. He has a tremendous work ethic and always finds ways to make his teammates better.
Cole Northrop describes his game as smart, aggressive and tough. Northrop is a playmaker that has serious range from all over the court. But he can also pass, and makes sure to not force too much by passing to open teammates.
Kenneth Curtis checking in at No. 13 in PHWA’s inaugural 2019 prospect rankings, Curtis says it’s his ability to defend and set his teammates up for success that makes him such a sought-after prospect.
***THE 2018 PLAYER TO WATCH***
DaeShawn Wayne is our player to watch for the class of 2019. When you think of a player to watch you think of somebody who might not get all of the accolades but is definitely deserving of more. A player who fights harder than the rest to get the little shine they get when there name is mentioned. I like this young man because no matter what rankings come out or where he ends up he will be game ready to show the doubters why he should be mentioned more than he is. This season he has had some huge performances and has been player of the week numerous times. I think its time we give him his props and add his name to the list of some of the top point guards in the state.