2023 Rankings: New Additions Pt. 2
If you missed the first part of our 2023 New Additions make sure to check out. In part two, we discuss the final six newcomers, all of which have loads of potential to boost their stock over the coming updates.…
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Continue ReadingIf you missed the first part of our 2023 New Additions make sure to check out. In part two, we discuss the final six newcomers, all of which have loads of potential to boost their stock over the coming updates. Not much distinguishes them right now in my eyes, which is reflected in them being all bunched up. With more exposure this summer, and increased roles for their high schools next year we will begin to see more clearly where these players ultimately lie.
Jabin Gardiner Jabin Gardiner 6'3" | SF Crete | 2023 State NE
Current: 34
Handling the basketball and finishing at the rim are Gardiner’s strong suits. He is a decent athlete paired with good size, and it gets him looks at the rim whenever he wants. When he puts his head down and gets that shoulder into his defender, not many can stop it.
Aric Thomas Aric Thomas 6'1" | SF Omaha South | 2023 State NE
Current: 40
Thomas is pretty raw at this point, but he showed major improvements in year two. Omaha South was built around their young players having significant roles, and they certainly took their lumps together. Next season’s team will be much better for it. Thomas has big-time potential as a rebounder and defender.
Jack Dahlgren Jack Dahlgren 6'2" | SG Kearney | 2023 State NE
Current: 46
Dahlgren’s sophomore season was incredibly efficient. He shot 67% from two, and 41% from three. These percentages of course will not hold as his role expands, but his disruption on defense and movement without the ball on offense bodes well for his future growth.
Isaiah Jackson Isaiah Jackson 6'1" | SG Omaha Bryan | 2023 State NE
Current: 47
Defense is often the key to earning more minutes and making an impact early in a career, and that is the course Jackson has taken. His lack of size at this point puts him at a disadvantage from the jump in most matchups, but he makes up the difference with his anticipation and toughness. He was excellent at forcing turnovers and racking up deflections.
Brock Murtaugh Brock Murtaugh 6'1" | SG Millard South | 2023 State NE
Current: 49
I already regret not putting Brock higher. He has some of the skills you value most in prospects: excellent cutter, shooting touch, reliable ball-handling, and defensive awareness. His counting stats don’t express the full impact of his play this season, but as his role expands I’m sure the numbers will catch up.
Ben Boudreau Ben Boudreau 6'0" | PG Millard South | 2023 State NE
Current: 50
Ranked 50th, but I fully expect him to be another big riser over the next few updates. He was a big-time player for OSA Crusaders, but didn’t have much of a role for Papillion La Vista this season. I look forward to getting a better look at him this summer.