2019 Rankings: Who’s Potentially Underrated?
Prep Hoops Wisconsin recently released our updated class of 2019 rankings following the spring travel season. Which prospects might be too undervalued on that list? We take a look at seven players who perhaps deserve to be higher by the time the 2018-19 season rolls around.
No. 8 Carlos Ramsey (Milwaukee Destiny/Milwaukee Spartans)
By the end of July, Ramsey could be in the top five. The Milwaukee Destiny standout had huge performances against shoe company teams in the spring. He looked just as good at Wisconsin’s advanced camp, standing out among Division 1 players. An offensively gifted prospect, Ramsey is dominant when he gets to his left hand, able to just bully people from around the rim or pull-up in rhythm from mid-range.
Ramsey has an offer from UW-Milwaukee, as well as interest coming in from Illinois, Wisconsin, Bradley, San Diego, UW-Green Bay, Texas Southern, Eastern Illinois, and Miami (OH).
No. 33 Rich Byhre (Catholic Memorial/Ray Allen Select)
Byhre joined Ray Allen Select in the spring and has been a nice addition alongside Marcus Domask, Cole Nau, and David Skogman — three top 10 prospects in the class of 2019. While he’s a complimentary piece on that team, Byhre has shown some flashes and stretches of putting it all together. The 6-foot-7 power forward is a big body with good feet and some skills around the rim.
No. 36 Luke Haasl (Oshkosh West/Wisconsin Crusaders)
When you factor in his upside, Haasl has a chance to be a go-t0 post player at the Division 2 level. Haasl seems to have the coordination and upside to really expand his skill set in the coming years. The Oshkosh West standout moves well for 6-foot-10 and can stretch the floor a bit. He’s a bit raw physically and will need to add weight, which should help his rebounding and shot blocking presence. Haasl is already comfortable with the basics on the block and only appears to be getting better.
No. 39 Mayson Hazaert (Wrightstown/Wisconsin Swing)
An aggressive, high-scoring wing, Hazaert put up strong numbers as a junior in Division 3. In the spring, Hazaert replicated a lot of that production and perhaps has even taken his game to another level since. A smooth shooter who’s comfortable from a few out past the 3-point line, Hazaert has an effective jumper when he can step into his shot.
No. 53 Malcolm Reed (Barneveld/Wisconsin Swing)
We’ve always liked Reed, but haven’t elevated his ranking, waiting for him to break out of his shell. The Barneveld standout has so many tools for a 6-foot-5 guard that can play anywhere on the wing. He’s unselfish almost to a fault and might be best served as a point guard at the next level. Division 2 Northern Michigan obviously likes his upside and versatility as well and recently extended a scholarship offer Reed’s way.
No. 63 Reid Larson (Fennimore/Wisconsin Academy)
If he lands in the right situation, Larson could be a prolific shooter at a small school. He may not possess ideal size and athleticism, but if he gets the ball on the wing and the defender has a hand down, Larson is automatic from downtown. A first-team All-SWAL pick after averaging nearly 19 points per game as a junior, Larson shot 43.0 percent from downtown last season.
No. 76 Brooklyn Jagers (Brown Deer)
Jagers was a second-team all-conference selection as a junior. Brown Deer is losing Jay Gentry, which should clear the way for players like Jagers to emerge even more. A 6-foot guard with plus-length and ability to absorb contact, Jagers is an excellent finisher at the rim. We’ll be keeping tabs on his senior season with the Falcons needing him to have a breakout year.