2024 player rankings: Newcomers
This discussion about the top 10 is out of the way. Now, let’s focus on three newcomers in the 2024 rankings. Christian Gilliland, Northpoint Christian: The 6-foot-2 combo guard debuted at No. 24. For the most part, Gilliland has carried…
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Continue ReadingThis discussion about the top 10 is out of the way.
Now, let’s focus on three newcomers in the 2024 rankings.
Christian Gilliland, Northpoint Christian: The 6-foot-2 combo guard debuted at No. 24. For the most part, Gilliland has carried the crown for being the most athletic guard in the 2024 class. In transition, the sophomore can finish at the rim with either hand. Gilliland knows how to take advantage of a mismatch. He can quickly sense when a defender can’t stay in front of him. A great 2021 campaign will have Gilliland in position to jump a lot of his peers by the next update.
Christian Alston, Bartlett: Alston debuted at No. 29. The 6-5 wing has a chance to be a solid 3-and-D guy for the Panthers during the remainder of his high school basketball career. Alston shoots the ball well enough. He’s always aware of where he needs to be on the court. Alston doesn’t force a lot of shots. He’s the type of player that gets his shots within the offense. As long as Alston keeps working, he could turn into a solid player.
Jack Shackelford, Bartlett: The 6-7 wing can be that perfect wing for any team. Shackelford, who debuted at No. 61, is the perfect stretch big. He can make shots from the perimeter. Shackelford isn’t afraid to rebound, and he puts forth a 100 percent effort on every possession. Effort doesn’t show up in the scorebook, but it counts for a lot when the team benefits from it.
Tenner just right outside the top 10
Sophomore point guard Emerson Tenner moved up No. 11 in the latest rankings and is worthy of possibly making his way into the top 10. On Tuesday night, the 5-10 floor general scored a game-high 46 points, while cramping up for most of the second half, in Cordova’s 79-74 double-overtime loss at White Station High School. Tenner, in his first high school basketball season, plays on both ends of the floor. Offensively, he can get inside the lane and finish. Tenner can make shots from the perimeter. He can make the right reads. Defensively, he likes to sit down and guard 94 feet. The season is still new, but Tenner has already made a case for being a top 10 caliber prospect in the 2024 class. He has also made a case for being one of the best point guards in the class.