Class of 2019 Wing Stock Risers
Now we start our examination of the wings in the 2019 class. What prospects from the shooting guard and small forward positions got the biggest bumps in the latest rankings update? Take a look here!
SG Anthony Fairlee (Springfield Southeast)
Previous Ranking: #12
Current Ranking: #9
Fairlee continues to be one of the most under recruited prospects in this class. The 6’3” shooting guard is the best pure athlete in the state with explosive jams above the rim. What has elevated his stock though is the improvement in his skill set. He showed in the first half of the season improved feel scoring off the bounce creating his own shot and his perimeter jumper has made enormous strides. Big time rebounder and defender as well. Mid-major prospect.
SF Jeremiah Hernandez (St. Viator)
Previous Ranking: #18
Current Ranking: #11
Hernandez was good over the summer bouncing around several different travel teams. He has really proven to be a legit mid-major player as a junior. Long and athletic wing that has athleticism and a feel for the game. He can score with a nice looking jumper and finish in transition. His feel for the game and passing might be his biggest strength.
SF Evan Taylor (Glenbard West)
Previous Ranking: #50
Current Ranking: #14
Taylor was a prospect that we didn’t see on the travel team circuit and that hurt his ranking. We caught him early in the high school season and was very impressed with his young man on and off the court. High IQ player that is almost a point forward with his passing ability. Can handle it and shoots a solid jumper although it can be a bit inconsistent at times. Rebounds in traffic and has the capability of being a good wing defender. High academic schools at the D1 level should be inquiring about Taylor.
SG Lance Jones (Evanston)
Previous Ranking: #28
Current Ranking: #19
Jones continues to make a steady climb up the board. The combo guard is a tough scorer with strength and athleticism. Makes plays in the lane off the bounce getting in the paint where he pulls up for jumpers or can take it all the way to the rack. His passing has improved this season which adds value to his college evaluation.
SF Landon Wolfe (Effingham)
Previous Ranking: #38
Current Ranking: #26
Wolfe has had a monster junior campaign. We were huge fans of the this 6’5” wing heading into the season after the summer and fall he put together, but he has taken it to another level consistently posting 30+ point games. His ability to score in a variety of ways and create his own shot while getting space on his jumper is impressive. Tough kid that rebounds and moves well without the ball. We see him as a solid low-major prospect at this stage.
SG Sean Houpt (Danville)
Previous Ranking: #65
Current Ranking: #39
Houpt is a personal favorite of mine. He isn’t flashy, but gets it done game in and game out. The high IQ wing is a coach’s son that does anything it takes to win. Versatile player with a plus shot from beyond the arc off the catch. Tough finishing through traffic. Rebounds in the paint well for a guard and is a monster on the defensive end. He is a player that low-majors and D2s need to be tracking.
SG Malik Smith (Alton)
Previous Ranking: #121
Current Ranking: #63
Smith jumped on our radar over the summer with Jets-Ramey United and took it up another notch as a junior. The 6’3” shooting guard has good size and athleticism at the two guard spot. Drills threes at a solid clip and also scores off the bounce on some slashes. Scoring potential. Smith is a player that could have a breakout spring.
SF Donovan Clay (Alton)
Previous Ranking: #138
Current Ranking: #70
The 6’3” rangy wing has long arms and showed much improvement on his perimeter jump shots as a junior. In previous evals he was more of a slasher and transition player. Clay has shot the ball well from beyond the arc spotting up from three. One to monitor closely this summer.