Final 2018 Rankings: Potentially Undervalued
The 2018 high school basketball season is finally a wrap, which means there’s no better time for a rankings update.
Devonaire Doutrive took over the top spot for the senior class due to how he projects at the next level. Doutrive’s 6-foot-4 frame to go along with his ability to create off the bounce for himself or others and his smooth and instinctual feel for the game are just a few of the reasons for his No. 1 ranking.
Brandon Williams came in a close second, while super-scoring guard Bryce Hamilton took third, physical attacking wing Jules Bernard was fourth and the steadying force to Sierra Canyon’s Open Division state championship run, Duane Washington, rounded out the top five.
When ranking such a large and talented area filled with high-level prospects, there is sure to be debate to follow. Heck, there was even some in-fighting with the guys who put these rankings together.
Here are the five most likely players to be undervalued when looking back on these rankings in a few years.
No. 32 Kaelen Allen, Westchester
Allen earned the Los Angeles City Section Player of the Year after leading the Comets to a 30-6 overall record which included the City Open title. Allen’s fundamentals on the block, combined with his good hands, footwork and ability to carve out space and finish with either hand are all aspects of his game that lead one to believe he could be an effective.
Tavian Percy’s athleticism when attacking off the wing and ability to stretch the floor from deep could make him a potent sleeper prospect.No. 35 Tavian Percy, Pasadena
Percy is an explosive athlete who didn’t get to dig all the way into his bag playing alongside the offensive juggernaut which is third-ranked Bryce Hamilton. The 6-foot-5 wing is a crafty finisher in space due to his ability to change direction without losing balance. Percy also showed some deep range and touch on his 3-point shot, which helped the Bulldogs reach the CIF Southern Section Division I championship game.
No. 40 Alpha Okoli, St. John Bosco
Okoli’s season was cut short at the end of December due to him exhausting his high school eligibility a semester soon, but the 6-foot-4 wing had an impressive first couple months of his senior year. Okoli is a beastly athlete and finisher in the painted area in transition settings, but what set him apart was his improved stroke from deep and his ability to rebound well in and out of space for his position.
No. 45 Victor Ohia Obioha, Riverside Hillcrest
Ohia Obioha went through his high school career far under the radar and that’s probably due to him playing at a smaller school and arriving from Nigeria just a few years ago. The active 6-foot-9 center is a tremendous shot blocker and rim protector who runs the floor with purpose and plays with a good motor. If he gets to the right school with the patience to develop, Ohia Obioha could be a nice piece at the next level.
No. 70 Eddy Egun, El Camino Real
The 6-foot-3 combo guard is one of the San Fernando Valley’s best kept secrets. He has the ball skills and feel to play on the ball, but also moves well without it and can knock down an open catch-and-shoot jumper. Egun has smooth and creative downhill moves which allow him to evade defenders and finish cleverly around the cup.