Updated 2019 Rankings: Biggest Risers (Part II)
With just half a season left for the Class of 2019 to cement their legacies, it’s become very clear that this is the strongest group of players to come through Iowa in — at the very least — the last…
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Continue ReadingWith just half a season left for the Class of 2019 to cement their legacies, it’s become very clear that this is the strongest group of players to come through Iowa in — at the very least — the last five seasons. And it’s not close. There’s still some jockeying going on towards the top of rankings, and even some shuffling still happening inside the top-10. Below, are the eight most significant jumps in these second-to-last installment of 2019 rankings.
UPDATED 2019 PROSPECT RANKINGS
Evan Obia (Valley) – 89 to 40
Very few players in Iowa have been shooting the ball better than Obia this season. We always thought he could be a standout at Valley, but last season, an injury kept him on the sidelines. He’s stepped into a senior starting role with the No. 5 Tigers and is thriving, averaging 12.4 points and shooting 51 percent from the floor, 44 percent from deep.
Keshawn Pegues (Davenport Central) – 117 to 41
This Blue Devils forward makes a massive jump into the top-50 after showing that he’s much more than an undersized post player. Pegues, a 6’3 combo-forward, has been among Class 4A’s top scorers this season while averaging 19.2 points per game for the state’s ninth-ranked team. He’s been able to step out and hit some 3s and is leading the team with 8.5 rebounds per game.
Peter Ngo (Des Moines Roosevelt) – 120 to 49
Here’s a guy beaming with potential, and seems on the verge of piecing it all together. At 6’3 and with elite athleticism, Ngo has the tools the be a high-level basketball player. His shooting numbers are down, but with some work on his shot and ball-handling the sky’s the limit for the Roughriders’ guard.
Hunter Hendrix (Council Bluffs Lincoln) – 104 to 51
A sharpshooter from the state’s western border, Hendrix has emerged as the next in a long line of top Council Bluffs Lincoln prospects. He’s got the 9-5 Lynx playing well, Hendrix is leading the team in scoring (14.8) and 3s made (28). The 5’11 guard is headed to reigning NAIA champs Graceland next season.
Sam Glenn (Southeast Polk) – 122 to 62
It’s very clear that Glenn has worked hard to improve his game, and he makes a huge jump in the rankings as a result. His 3-point shot is falling at a 46 percent clip this season, and his ball-handling and athleticism are both strong suits. After playing as a reserve for 1A champs Grand View Christian last season, Glenn has emerged as the main man with upstart Southeast Polk this winter.
Mick McMurray (Cedar Rapids Washington) – 99 to 68
A 6’6 combo-forward, McMurray has been gradually climbing the charts for some time now. He makes a big jump this time as a result of a wildly successful first half to his senior season. His 19.5 points per game is ninth-best in Class 4A. He’s shooting 54 percent fro the floor and is leading the Warriors in rebounding.
Abe Becker (Maquoketa) – 80 to 71
This is just a matter of a good-sized guard with serious skill who is leading one of the state’s best teams. All of those things factor well into moving up in the rankings. The 6’3 marksman is averaging 20.1 points per game for 3A’s No. 1 team, and he’s shooting 46 percent from deep. His 50 made 3s are tops in 3A.
Braydon Adcock (Iowa City West) – 96 to 78
Adcock was waiting in the wings at Iowa City West, but now, the senior floor general has emerged as one of the state’s most steady point guards. With Patrick McCaffery filling it up offensively, Adcock has thrived in the role as primary distributor. He’s averaging 5.2 assists per game, and has a sterling 3.3:1 assist-to-turnover ratio.