5 underrated players in Division II Class A and AA
With the 2019 high school basketball season approaching, I’m taking a look at some of the players from private schools who are truly valuable to their team’s success. Now, these are not household names, but they’re solid contributors, and they…
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Continue ReadingWith the 2019 high school basketball season approaching, I’m taking a look at some of the players from private schools who are truly valuable to their team’s success.
Now, these are not household names, but they’re solid contributors, and they know how to play the game.
By the end of this upcoming season, people should become familiar with the players I’m about to name. Since I jumped onto the high school basketball scene, I have been impressed with what these players have shown on the hardwood floor.
Here are the 5 underrated players in Division II Class A and AA:
Harrison Kelly, Christian Brothers (Class AA): Chandler Jackson and Reese McMullen will get a lot of the attention this upcoming season, but people shouldn’t overlook junior guard Harrison Kelly. This kid can handle the basketball and can shoot the 3. He will be a great complimentary piece to Jackson and McMullen. Last season as a sophomore, Kelly, 6-foot, averaged 7.6 points on 43 percent shooting. He connected on 37 percent of his 3-point attempts. With Jackson’s improved passing at the point guard spot, I expect Kelly to get nice looks.
Marcellus Brigham Jr., Briarcrest (Class AA): The 6-5 senior forward is a tough matchup because of his athleticism. He’s being overlooked because of Kennedy Chandler, who has tons of college coaches flocking to his corner, in hopes of reserving his services. When Brigham Jr. plays to his full potential, he could easily notch a double-double on a nightly basis. Chandler will be forced, at times, to get rid of the basketball, and Brigham Jr. is a great option on the offensive end. Brigham Jr.’s offensive abilities are why Georgia Southern and Jacksonville State are really high on him. After averaging 13 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 steals per game last season to go along with his solid summer with Hoop City 17U, Brigham Jr. is in position to stake his claim as one of the best, noticeable scorers in Division II Class AA.
Michael Malone Jr., Briarcrest (Class AA): The Saints head coach John Harrington went to get Malone Jr. from Hamilton High School because he saw what was already evident to some people: He’s a great defender. Malone Jr. displayed his stingy defense against the likes of KyKy Tandy, Chandler Jackson and Marcus Fitzgerald. Without the 6-3 guard in last season’s Division II Class AA Boys State Championship game against Brentwood Academy, Briarcrest wouldn’t have won. Fitzgerald cooked the Saints for 13 first-half points on 5 of 7 shooting. Malone Jr. held the Tennessee State commit to five points in the second half, and the Saints outscored the Eagles 35-17 in route to their first state title since 2008.
Bobby Parks, Harding Academy (Class A): Parks was in the shadow of Luke Howard last season, but still managed to average 17 points per game on 57 percent shooting. Now, without question, he’s the best player for the Lions heading into the 2019 season. Parks is an all-league caliber player and should catch a lot of eyes this upcoming season. His scoring average will probably go up, and by the end of the season, Parks will be one of the top scorers in Division II Class A.
Johnathan DeJurnett, Lausanne (Class A): It took DeJurnett to have a solid summer with Hoop City 17U for people to finally recognize how valuable he can be to a team. As a junior last season, he averaged 14.3 points and 8 rebounds per game for the Lynx. DeJurnett will be a walking double-double thanks to the addition of 6-11 junior big man Moussa Cisse. DeJurnett was a solid shot blocker last season. His mid-range jump shot has improved, and he’s really effective in transition. This season could be a big one for the 6-8 senior forward.