Class of 2022: Top Ten
We are working hard on our updated player rankings and one thing is clear – there will be some shifting around in the Class of 2022. We’ve had the opportunity to watch many of the state’s top sophomores in action…
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Continue ReadingWe are working hard on our updated player rankings and one thing is clear – there will be some shifting around in the Class of 2022. We’ve had the opportunity to watch many of the state’s top sophomores in action this season and several of them have made some steps up in their games and contributions to their teams. While we have yet to do the full rankings, we do feel we have settled upon a top 10. Here’s a quick look at the top sophomores.
1. Lamar Washington, Jefferson
Washington is easily the most productive player for a top team in the Class of 2022. He’s not only averaging double figures in scoring at over 13 points per game but is also leading Jefferson in assists (almost 4 apg) and steals (over 2.5 spg). He has a tough body at 6-foot-3 and while his outside shot has been inconsistent this season, he’s near unstoppable on his drives to the hoop. His quick hands and toughness on the perimeter have made him a very effective defender. Like many others in this class, Washington has started to get some college football recruiting attention so it will be interesting to see how much that affects how college basketball coaches view his potential.
2. Luke Johnson, Central Catholic
Making a big leap up the rankings is Johnson, who has been become Central Catholic’s main big man inside, especially on the offensive end. The 6-foot-7 sophomore has a soft touch on his face-up jumper and he’s able to run the floor to get out in transition for easy finishes. He’s a natural athlete and is getting stronger on the boards and defensively as well. The main question will be will he focus on basketball or will football – he’s the backup QB on the football team – eventually take him away.
3. Samaje Morgan, Churchill
There may be no quicker player in the state – at any age – than Morgan. He stepped right into the starting lineup filling in for the injury to teammate Isaiah Wallace and has been the cornerstone at the point for Churchill. The 5-foot-7 sophomore is almost averaging double figures in points while dishing out just shy of five assists a game. He’s also been a pest on defense. A former D-I college coach recently noted that after watching Morgan, he’d offer him a scholarship now.
4. Dallon Morgan, Sprague
This Morgan is the only player in the Class of 2022 to currently hold a Division I scholarship offer as Montana State has already stepped forth in recent months. It’s not hard to see why as the 6-foot-9 – and probably still-growing – big man has made strides with his game this season. He’s developed more of a post-up game while still exhibiting the ability to shoot from the outside. Morgan hasn’t gotten as many touches this season with Sprague’s senior guard-heavy lineup but he’s made the most out of them.
5. Trejon Williams, Jefferson
A bulldog of a point guard, Williams has been limited by injury and illness his sophomore season. Nevertheless, when the 6-foot sophomore was playing for Jefferson, he showed great abilities as a penetrator and passer and his outside shot has improved. He falls a bit in the rankings due to the missed time and like others, there are questions about how much football plays into his future.
6. Mason VanBeenen, West Linn
In terms of skills and potential, VanBeenen has a lot of it for a big man. The 6-foot-8 sophomore has good footwork in the post and has the ability to face up and shoot it from the perimeter, or take it strong to the basket and finish. The key for VanBeenen is building more physical strength, his confidence level and aggressiveness as well as consistency.
7. Aidan Slater, Central Catholic
Slater may very well be the top sophomore shooter in the state. He’s blessed with a rugged frame at 6-foot-1 and when squared up and with his feet set, he can toss in daggers from beyond the NBA three-point line. Martin excels in the catch and shoot but has been improving his game off of the bounce.
8. Donatello Tupper, Roosevelt
Tupper is one of the smoothest athletes in the class and at times has shown glimpses of immense potential as a sophomore. At 6-foot-4, the lefty is long and lanky, runs the floor extremely well, can knock down the open jumper, and can finish above the rim. What Tupper needs to improve upon is his consistency and at times, his effort level.
9. Devon Malcom, Butte Falls
We haven’t gotten a chance to see Malcolm in person yet but from all that we’ve heard and the clips we’ve seen, one thing is clear – he appears to be the most athletic performer in the Class of 2022. The 6-foot-3 sophomore has been dominant at the 2A level reportedly averaging over 20 points and 10 rebounds per game.
10. Kyle Hamnes, Century
From what we have seen, Hamnes has one of the highest motors in the class. At 5-foot-9 he currently lacks height, but he has a mature body which enhances his aggressiveness on drives and finishes at the hoop. Hamnes competes hard on defense and we look forward to seeing how his point guard skills develop.