Prospect Spotlight: Ray Ritter (2019)
To some, Annapolis Area Christian has been a surprise team this season with a 7-1 record. But if you paid attention to last year, you’d realize they’d have a slew of seniors for the 2018-19 season and more times than…
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Continue ReadingTo some, Annapolis Area Christian has been a surprise team this season with a 7-1 record. But if you paid attention to last year, you’d realize they’d have a slew of seniors for the 2018-19 season and more times than not, having seniors and experience translate into wins. One of those eight seniors on the roster is Ray Ritter, a 6-foot-4 guard who transferred in mid-way through the last school year from DeMatha.
Ritter has been a key contributor in the Eagles’ success so far with his athleticism and ability to impact the game on both ends. DeMatha is one of the top programs in the country. When Ritter tried out for the team last year, he was cut, sparking his decision in transferring.
“I used it all as motivation for myself,” Ritter said. “It made me want to come here and make an even bigger impact, get to college, make an impact there and prove everyone wrong.”
Transferring schools isn’t always the best choice for kids, but the team and the coaching staff welcomed Ritter with opened arms. It helped make for an easier transition.
“It’s been great,” Ritter continued, “when I came in in the middle of last year everyone was awesome. Coach Doug [Scheidt] was so welcoming and opened to teaching me the offense and letting me know how I was going to be a big part.”
Ritter wasn’t able to play with the team for the second half of last season because he had just transferred in, but he got to stay around them to help build relationships and prepare for his senior year.
“We’re all seniors now and are a lot more mature,” Ritter said in reference to the comparison of this year’s team and last year’s. “Over the summer getting to play with each other it really helped coming into this year. It’s our senior year and we are trying to make as statement in the A Conference.”
In terms of improvements in his own game, Ritter has a few specific areas he is focusing on to prepare for college.
“Definitely my shooting,” Ritter told Prep Hoops. “I want to be a knock down shooter. I want to get to college and be able to knock down three’s and mid-range shots. Also my pace of play. Being able to control my pace and not allowing the defense to dictate it. I’m a high motor guy who loves to play defense. I like doing all of the little things that may not show in the box stats.”
In terms of recruitment, Ritter is being tracked by a Division II program in Caldwell University and Marietta, a Division III program.
Evaluation of Ritter: We recently saw Ritter for the first time. He has nice size for a two guard at the Division II or III level at 6-foot-4. He has a good frame that will fill nicely once he is put in a weight lifting regime. Ritter is very athletic and can finish over the rim in transition or in a clear lane off the dribble in the half court. He’s a capable shooter and will knock down three’s, but will need to improve on consistency for the college level. Defensively, his athleticism and hard working mentality help him be effective. He moves well laterally and is good at hunting down rebounds at their peak. Whether it is a Division II or Division III program, Ritter will be a productive player at the next level.