Rankings Update: Sophomore & Junior Stock Risers
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The sophomore and junior rankings saw a lot of additions as opposed to a lot of movement from players. The starting and stopping of the season due to Covid has been a large part of the reason. Even though there…
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Continue ReadingThe sophomore and junior rankings saw a lot of additions as opposed to a lot of movement from players. The starting and stopping of the season due to Covid has been a large part of the reason. Even though there was little movement, there were some players that moved to higher positions in their perspective rankings. We will take a look at those players who did make upward movement in the rankings of the class of 2022 and 2023.
Junior Class (2022)
Jalen Bolden Jalen Bolden 6'5" | SG Zachary | 2022 State LA (6’4″ / Zachary / PR #18) – CR #12 (+6)
Bolden has put in the work to improve as a player. While he has gotten better, Zachary has improved as a team. Bolden is right on the cusp of being a top ten player because he can do multiple things on the floor well. He can rebound, put the rock on the deck to score, and finish while running the wing. His jumper is much improved as well. Zachary has a chance to make a deep playoff run this season and Bolden is one of the main keys to that projected success.
Marquarius Johnson Marquarius Johnson 6'1" | CG Southwood | 2022 State LA (6’2″ / Southwood / PR #42) – CR #24 (+18)
As a role player last year, Johnson showed flashes of his ability to be a certified scorer on the 5A level. This season, he has embraced it as one of the top options for the Cowboys and he has not looked back. Johnson has range four to five feet past the three point line and is very comfortable shooting that shot. He can also put it on the floor to score. Any postseason success that the Cowboys have will need Johnson to have a big game scoring. He is definitely up to the task.
Andri Lewis (6’3″ / Woodlawn-Shreveport / PR #39) – CR #35 (+4)
Players with a high motor are very hard to stop. When they have the ability to score and defend at a high level, that makes them a very good player. Lewis is one of the many weapons for the Woodlawn Knights. He operates inside the arc unlike the other players on the team. He shoots the mid-range well and he draws a slew of and-1 opportunities at the rim. Add his perimeter defense to his skill set and the Knights have a player who does the dirty work for them in the paint.
Pat Williams Pat Williams 6'6" | SF Wossman | 2022 State LA II (6’5″ / Wossman / PR #29) – CR #17 (+12)
Williams is one of the big men that Wossman uses to protect the rim and defend post players on the opposing team. While he can do that, Williams is more than just a defender. He is super athletic with a first and second jump that makes it hard to keep him off the boards. Williams is also improving on his outside shot which makes him an even larger threat. Wossman is a good team. However, if Williams plays to his potential, they will be even harder to beat.
Jacob Wilson Jacob Wilson 6'5" | SF Liberty | 2022 State LA (6’4″ / Liberty / PR #14) – CR #11 (+3)
Wilson is another player just outside of the top 10 who can easily be a top 10 player when it is time for graduation. Wilson has one of the most versatile skill sets in the prep game today. He can handle like a guard, run the floor like a wing, and is improving the consistency on his outside shot. On defense, he is at the head of the press but can switch and defend the post. Wilson is one of Liberty’s best weapons and will be a focal point as they head into the postseason.
Class of 2023
Trevor Daughtery Trevor Daughtery 6'2" | PG JS Clark Leadership | 2023 State LA (6’1″ / JS Clark Leadership / PR #28) – CR #22 (+6)
Daughetry has a lot of traditional point guard qualities to go with the athleticism he possesses. He has really quick hands on defense and either tips or deflects quite a few passes. When he steals the ball, his head automatically looks up to see who has released and tries to get them the ball. Daugherty is also good at leading the break and scores well in transition either by driving to the cup or spotting up for three when someone else has the ball. He is right outside the top 20 right now and has the potential to be ranked higher.
Jaylon Hicks Jaylon Hicks 6'5" | SF Carver | 2023 State LA (6’4″ / Carver / PR #31) – CR #19 (+12)
Hicks has the potential to be a top ten player. He can handle the ball in open court like a guard, has the ability to play off the ball and spot up on the wing, and can score from the block. His versatility as a young player shows the level of his basketball IQ. Right now, Hicks fits into whatever role he is needed. However, it is evident that he could be the focal point of the offense is need be. Hicks is another weapon for Carver and will be very useful in their push for a state crown.
De’Vion Lavergne De’Vion Lavergne 6'3" | CG North Central | 2023 State LA (6’2″ / North Central / PR #33) – CR #28 (+5)
The North Central guard has been vital to the success of the Hurricanes this season. Lavergne has handled the ball and initiated the offense in many games this season allowing Reginald Stoner Reginald Stoner 6'1" | CG North Central | 2022 State LA to play off the ball more. He has also been a big time player when needed as he has made big shots at crucial times of numerous games. His movement up the rankings may be subtle but he has a bright future in front of him. This postseason may be an indication of such.
Chilaydrien Newton Chilaydrien Newton 6'3" | PG Simsboro | 2023 UT (6’1″ / Simsboro / PR #25) – CR #17 (+8)
Simsboro has had a pool of riches in recent years when it comes to the guard position. Newton is another guard from that pool. The Tigers believe in guards who can get up and pressure, has the ability to break defenders down off the dribble, and shoot from distance. Newton does all of those things. He changes ends in the open court very quickly and can explode to the rim when he has a straight line to do so. Newton is a game changer and will be a top guard for years to come in Louisiana.
Warren Young Jr. (6’1″ / Walker / PR #11) – CR #7 (+4)
Young sat right outside of the top ten after his summer playing with the Nike EYBL team. Now, his play during the season has him sitting inside the top ten. Young plays on and off the ball and is a versatile guard. He can facilitate the offense and get Walker into their sets or he can play the role of gunner and shoot the trey. Young rebounds well for a guard as well. His skills of versatility make him a hard guard for defenders. As his play matures, Young will be very hard to deal with in the future.
Follow your favorite player, and others, after the season through the Prep Hoops rankings. The next ranking update will be during the grassroots season.