2022 class: 10 players that people shouldn’t overlook
I started digging into the 2022 class last week with a piece on the 10 best players in the class. That story was really easy to put together as I honestly felt the players mentioned are headlining this class. Now…
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Continue ReadingI started digging into the 2022 class last week with a piece on the 10 best players in the class.
That story was really easy to put together as I honestly felt the players mentioned are headlining this class.
Now let’s take a look at other players in this class. This is a two-part series, so expect the sequel on Thursday.
Here are 10 players in the 2022 class that shouldn’t be overlooked:
Handje Tamba, Knoxville Catholic: The 7-foot center played an important role for a Fighting Irish team that needed him down the stretch in the postseason. Tamba played alongside Vanderbilt commit Akeem Odusipe, who averaged 16.9 points and 11.2 rebounds this past season. Tamba’s numbers were decent. He finished the 2019 season averaging 6.2 points, 4.8 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 0.9 blocks and 0.5 steals per game. With Odusipe gone, I expect Tamba to take his game to the next level.
Pressley Patterson, Knoxville Catholic: Patterson can shoot the basketball. He proved that during the Division II-AA Boys State Championship game against Briarcrest. He went 5 for 8 from the field and led the Fighting Irish with 15 points in their win over the Saints. For the season, Patterson averaged nine points and 2.3 assists while shooting 35 percent from the field.
JaSteven Walker, Fayette Ware: Walker has the potential to be a solid all-around post player. His defense stood out during the 2019 season. Walker’s rim protection and rebounding ability have already gotten the attention of opposing teams. The 6-9 big man averaged 10 points, seven rebounds, three blocks and one steal for the Wildcats.
Kobe Ward, Jackson South Side: Ward played on a deep, talented Hawks team in 2019 but contributed on the offensive end when he needed to. Ward averaged six points and two assists per game. He loves to shoot the 3 and runs the floor well in transition.
Hayden Ledbetter, Lausanne: Ledbetter can stake claim as one of the best passers in this class. At 5-10, he sees the floor well. That’s Ledbetter strength. That’s what makes him a solid point guard. Ledbetter is coming off a sophomore season averaging 10 points and seven assists per game. He was named to the Division II-A All-Tournament Team after the Lynx defeated FACS in the state title game.
Bakari Johnson, Freedom Prep: Johnson is a handful because of his height (6-5) and upper body strength. He’s coming off a solid sophomore campaign, averaging 17.1 points, nine rebounds, 2.9 assists and 2.5 steals per game.
Chauncey Holmes, Kingsbury: The 2019 season didn’t go as planned for the Falcons but Holmes still produced. The 6-1 ½ guard led Kingsbury in scoring with 18.9 points per game. On the offensive end, Holmes is one of the most productive guards in this class.
Ahmed Abdulahi, Kingsbury: The 6-0 guard finished second on the team in scoring in 2019 with 17.6 points per game. A backcourt featuring Abdulahi and Holmes should be one of the best in 2020.
Phil Dotson III, Arlington: When it comes to shooting, Dotson’s name has to be mentioned. Outside of Patterson, Dotson is another player that can stroke it from deep. He had one of his best games of 2019 against Bartlett in the Region District 14-AAA Final. Dotson, who finished with 10 points, was one of three players to score in double figures for the Tigers.
Harmonta Griggs, Fayette Ware: Griggs had big games for the Wildcats in 2019. He had 40 points, five rebounds, four blocks and three steals in an 85-77 win over Bolivar. Griggs had 24 points in a 61-57 win over Haywood. He’s a confident shooter. Griggs feels like every shot he attempts will go in. He finished the 2019 season averaging 16 points, 3.5 rebounds and two steals per game.