Rankings Update: Top 2020 High School Classes
Last summer we declared the top ten 2020 high school classes byway of an inexact science. That article hasn’t really sat well with me. There just had to be a more calculated way of figuring out who has the top crop of sophomores.
So here’s what we decided: Every player gets a score, 1 through 135, based on where they’re ranked in the latest update of the 2020 Prospect Rankings. For example, the no. 1 rated player, Zach Loveday, gets a score of 135, no. 2 is worth 134 points, and the no. 135 player has a value of one point. Then, to determine the best class, we added up the players’ scores from each high school to determine whose was the highest.
Does that make sense? Hope so. If it doesn’t yet, we think you’ll be able to follow along as you continue scrolling.
1. Lakewood St. Edward
Devontae Blanton (130) + Montorie Foster (127) + Grant Huffman (126) + Devin Hightower (14) = 397
In their first two years at the high school level, this group has went to a Final Four and a Regional Semifinal. Although Blanton and Huffman were the only two who logged significant playing time as freshman, that’s still a rock solid start to a career. This past season, as Huffman was dealing with an injury, Foster really took a step forward. Expect Hightower, a crafty scorer, to make an impact going forward, as Eds graduated a lot in their 2018 class.
2. Princeton
Khalil Davis (98) + Aaron Ward (89) + Jaheim Thomas (67) + Darrion Henry (44) + Isaiah Kennedy (32) + Kaleb Crawford (22) = 352
Princeton has the most total players ranked by a margin of two. It will be interesting to see how all the pieces fit after the 2018 class is gone. In the post, Princeton has two Power Five football prospects anchoring the paint. Then, Ward is more of a power forward who can step outside and do multiple things. Davis, Crawford, and Davis are all ball-handlers who like to get into the paint. Finding a floor spacer will be imperative.
3. Pickerington Central
Josiah Fulcher (114) + Tahleik Walker (82) + Jamir Simpson (70) + Conner Maciag (47) = 313
Another example of the rich getting richer. Pick Central is the first of three 2018 Final Four teams on this list. The Tigers have a 2020 class of perimeter players with a lot of upside. Simpson is reportedly a sleeper in this class on the wing. With a loaded 2019 class ahead of them, it’ll be interesting to see how these four impact the varsity roster next season.
4. Moeller
Jake Younkin (117) + Max Land (116) + Blake Lloyd (26) + Brad Colbert (17) = 276
Not a single one of these players logged a minute in Columbus at the State Championship weekend. However, the two headliners both have Division I potential and should make a splash this summer for their AAU programs. They are complemented by a tough combo guard in Lloyd and Colbert, a shooter.
5. Benedictine
Andy Barba (108) + Jashun Cobb (72) + Eric Buckner Jr. (61) + Anthony Maxie (28) = 269
Benedictine dealt with injuries this winter, which opened up time in the backcourt for Cobb and Buckner to get varsity experience. The two showed promise for the future. Meanwhile, Barba is an above average athlete on the wing with a capable jumper. Maxie, as we wrote yesterday, flashes potential as an athletic 4.
6. Garfield Heights
Jesse Laster (104) + Gilbert Davis (87) + Brent Darby Jr. (73) = 264
The Bulldogs are the third team in a row here who didn’t ask for much from their 2020 class this season. In fact, Laster pretty much disappeared from the program halfway through the season. Davis and Darby hardly ever played. It’s hard to project what this class could be, but we’ll know in due time. Tons of potential.
7. Hilliard Bradley
Chris Mayfield (125) + Matt Allocco (121) = 246
The top ranked duo in Ohio combines for a wealth of leadership, versatility, and defensive talent. Mayfield can defend five positions at the high school level and Allocco three. Both could potentially land at the D-I level, although Mayfield is receiving more interest as a Power Five football talent. Regardless, they give the Jaguars a formidable duo in this class going forward.
8. Lake Catholic
Luka Eller (124) + Lukas Frazier (115) = 239
Not far behind the Hilliard boys is a sweet-shooting tandem at Lake Catholic. They led the Cougars to an 18-7 record as their two leading players as sophomores. Frazier is a slippery guard who can fill up the scoring column as a primary ball-handler. Eller has a ton of upside as a prospect and will draw attention from D-I programs who want forwards that shoot the 3-pointer.
9. Walnut Ridge
VonCameron Davis (123) + Qian Magwood (112) = 235
Walnut Ridge is going to be in contention for the Columbus City League crown going forward. After the CCL graduates a ton of talent this spring, it’s hard to find a reason why Magwood and Davis won’t be one of the top teams. Both are quality athletes with a knack for getting to the basket.
10. Trotwood
Carl Blanton (122) + Sammy Anderson (103) = 225
Trotwood has the most experienced 2020 class, as Anderson and Blanton have appeared in two final fours as underclassmen. Going forward, expect Blanton to be a near 20 point per game scorer and Anderson to play multiple positions on the wing. Both fit the Trotwood mold of high-motor athletic defenders.