2022 class: 6 players who should take the next step in 2020 (Part 4)
This is the final story on this series that I have been working on since last month. It’s time to start gradually moving towards stories for the high school basketball season. The summer hasn’t been what everyone expected it to…
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Continue ReadingThis is the final story on this series that I have been working on since last month.
It’s time to start gradually moving towards stories for the high school basketball season. The summer hasn’t been what everyone expected it to be.
And yet, some AAU tournaments are taking place, and prospects in the 2022 class have picked up offers.
I expect the 2020-21 season to be a fun one to watch, that’s if a season is able to take place. I will definitely have my eyes on prospects in the 2022 class.
Here are 6 players who should take the next step in 2020.
Braeden Moore, CPA: Moore recently picked up two offers from the University of California, Davis and Rice. The 6-foot-8 forward has a high basketball IQ. He plays to his strengths. Moore can stretch the floor, knock down shots from 3-point range. He can also put the ball on the floor. Moore’s post moves are solid, too. I expect Moore to be one of the most-talked about players in Division II-A next season.
Amarr Knox, Memphis Central: Knox came out of nowhere last season and blossomed into one of the best point guards in Class AAA, averaging 17.6 points per game. He has an offer from the University of Denver, and if it wasn’t for the pandemic, Knox could have picked up more offers. He’s a great slasher, solid ball handler and aggressive defender. With Whitehaven losing all of its senior guards from last season, Knox should be one of the most talked about guards in Memphis.
Micah Simpson, Morristown East: Simpson seems to be heading in the right direction on the defensive end. He showcased that over the weekend, playing for BMaze Elite 16U. Simpson was already a solid offensive asset. He sees the floor well and knows how to get to his spots. Simpson has yet to pick up a Division 1 offer, but D1 coaches have been in contact with him.
T.J. Thomas, FACS: Thomas flew under the radar with the Crusaders, who made a surprising run, by many, to the Division II-A Boys State Tournament Championship game. Thomas is a fierce competitor. He always wants to take the shot the team needs. Thomas is an efficient scorer. He takes what the defense gives him. Thomas can make the big shots. Coming up short in the state title game against Lausanne is enough for Thomas to come back and have a big year.
P.J. Hillman: Hillman is an athletic 6-2 guard that’s very coachable, with the chance to be a solid player. He showed promise last season at Kingsbury, using his athleticism to get into the lane. Hillman needs to improve as a shooter, so hopefully he’s been in the gym this summer. Hillman will not be back at Kingsbury next season, and it’s rumored that he’s heading to Whitehaven High School. Nothing is set in stone yet, but whoever gets Hillman will be happy to have him.
Cade Pendleton, East Hamilton: The 6-8 forward is poised to have a solid junior season. Pendleton is flying under the radar and the college program that gets him will be getting one of the biggest steals in the class. Pendleton can knock down shots from the elbow. He can step out and knock down the 3. Pendleton crashes the boards and contests shots at the rim.