Updated 2020 Rankings: New Faces (Part 1)
It’s been three years of us evaluating kids both during the high school season and on the grassroots scene, and we have yet another update to our 2020 rankings. We took info from coaches, other media members, and debates between…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingIt’s been three years of us evaluating kids both during the high school season and on the grassroots scene, and we have yet another update to our 2020 rankings. We took info from coaches, other media members, and debates between the Prep Hoops VA team to come up with some of the top 150 kids in the state. Remember, these rankings are based on where the kids play high school basketball, they are ranked on projected value at the COLLEGIATE level and they will continue to be updated before and during the high school season.
Here’s a look at part one of some of the new faces in the 2020 rankings.
#38) Aviwe Mahlong | 6’3” WG | Eastern Mennonite
Mahlong is a native of South Africa and played his first season last year as he helped Eastern Mennonite to the VISAA D3 Championship game where they fell to Life Christian. He’s an intriguing prospect with good upside, as he’s an above average athlete with a solid jumper, good motor and a competitive spirit. His best basketball is ahead of him as well.
#45) Gilbert Brown | 6’0” G | Menchville
Brown caught my eye during the LC Bird Summer League because he’s an elite athlete that is lightning quick and explosive around the rim as well. He can really guard the basketball and makes opposing ball handlers uncomfortable, he is lightning quick with the ball in his hands and he’s able to make plays that other guys his size simply can’t.
#46) Misha Zuribashvilli | 6’6” G/F | Bishop Sullivan
A native of Georgia, Zuribashvilli is a strong 6’6” guy with some guard skills and the ability to fill it up quickly. He’s a very good shooter from deep who is always looking for his next shot and moving without the ball, and when he hits one he’s able to ring off multiple in a row. He’s also able to use his shooting ability to attack closeouts and use his size in the lane to finish.
#63) Kwaku Agyapong | 6’9” PF | Middleburg
He’s a project still but Agyapong has a lot of potential if he can put it all together. He’s a legit 6’9” big who can run the floor with the best of them, finish above the rim in transition and on catch and finishes and protect the rim when back or in help side. He needs to continue to develop offensively but he’s a project that could be worth it if he puts the time in.
#66) Kaleb Torrence | 6’0” PG | Wakefield School
Torrence impressed me multiple times this summer with his high motor and playmaking ability at the point guard spot. He’s a strong and quick guy who can get in the lane, runs the pick-and-roll well and can make shots from all over the floor. He has a good motor on the defensive end as well and his rapid improvement in both his game and his body bold well for him moving forward.
#68) Justin Fatherly | 6’3” G/F | Nansemond River
I’ve never seen Fatherly on the Grassroots level so he’s still somewhat unknown, but his play at Nansemond River is something that should be taken note of. The 6’3” wing plays all over the floor for them and does a little of everything as far as scoring, rebounding, handling the ball and defending. He has a versatile skill set with a good motor and he plays the game the right way.
#72) Ethan Wilson | 6’0” PG | Osborne Park
Wilson is really picking up traction with small schools with his ability to play and guard both backcourt positions. He’s a strong kid and good athlete who can use his quickness and explosiveness to make plays on both ends, he can create for himself and others off the bounce and he’s a high energy kid who thrives in crunch time.