2020 Rankings Updates: Top Post Scorers
Now that we’ve updated the rising junior class, it’s time to break them down much like we did the 2019 class.
While we did the 2019 class by area and position, we decided to do something a little different with the 2020 class. We will be breaking down these rankings updates by different characteristics and strengths of players that you will find on the basketball court.
Confused? You won’t be. Take a look at some of the top big man scorers in the 2020 class.
Mark Williams | 6’11” C | Norfolk Academy (#3 Overall)
Williams has unreal length which gives him an advantage in the post, as he’s able to finish over the top of smaller post guys. He can score over either shoulder with either hand, he can face his man up and rip through and drive by and he’s skilled enough to shoot the midrange jumper and pull defenders out. He can also run the floor with the ball in his hands or on the wing, and he has the catch and finish ability at the basket. His length and skill set makes it tough to guard him in the post.
Marchelus Avery | 6’6” PF | Life Christian Academy (#9 Overall)
One of the most talented guys in the class, Avery is strong, athletic, skilled and productive. He’s much more than just a post scorer, as he can step out and shoot the ball from deep as well, but he’s able to play in the post even against taller guys. He has a natural feel for the game, as a guy who can score above the rim, with both hands and he can pass out of the post, and he’s a guy who can catch and finish or create his own shot in the paint with the best of them.
Dowar Jioklow | 6’8” PF | Flint Hill (#11 Overall)
Another guy who is much more than a post scorer, Jiokolow is extremely versatile who can do it inside and outside. In transition he makes plays with the ball in his hands for himself and for others, he can pull out bigs and shoot it or blow by them and he has a solid jump hook in the post. He’s shifty and long, he can finish with both hands and he has great footwork in the post. His ability to stretch the floor and cause mismatches makes him one of the top young big men in the state.
Burke Smith | 6’9” PF | Trinity Episcopal (#16 Overall)
Smith isn’t a traditional post scorer, he’s more of the new age stretch four man but he’s developing nicely into an all around option on the offensive end. He’s improved his mobility, making him able to run the floor in transition and move well to get offensive rebounds. He can really shoot the basketball from deep and in the midrange causing mismatches, and he has a soft touch around the basket with both hands. His development should continue and make him better on both ends of the floor.
Jamel Melvin | 6’8” PF | Potomac School (#20 Overall)
Transferring into Potomac School, Melvin takes the place of Loyola commit Devin Flowers and should do so seamlessly since they have very similar skillsets. Melvin has a great midrange game where he can catch and shoot from 15 feet, rip through and get to the basket and works well off one or two dribbles. He can fade away over both shoulders and is only just beginning to see how good he can really be.
Clarence Rupert | 6’6” PF | Maury (#34 Overall)
One of the more underrated guys in this class, Rupert came off the bench last year for Maury but has shown this summer with Boo Williams that he has a lot of potential moving forward. He’s very mobile allowing him to run the floor, he can face up and take his man off the bounce and he can shoot it from deep when he’s set. He’s still somewhat raw, but he’s a guy who’s going to continue to improve on the low post and be a mismatch guy moving forward.
Antwone Blackwell | 6’6” PF | Hopewell (#68 Overall)
His stock is going up, and it’s all based on how hard he plays. Blackwell is a little undersized but he’s quick off his feet and explosive, he runs the floor hard and competes on both ends. He rebounds well offensively, he can finish through contact and is good with his back to the basket and in face up situations. He’s still raw, but he’s going to improve immensely moving forward.