Top stock risers from 2023 rankings update
The 2023 rankings update saw some prospects near the top of our list make some small, but notable moves up our rankings. This article will break down the five highest rated prospects who saw their ranking increase in our latest…
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Continue ReadingThe 2023 rankings update saw some prospects near the top of our list make some small, but notable moves up our rankings. This article will break down the five highest rated prospects who saw their ranking increase in our latest rankings update.
Lawrent Rice Lawrent Rice 6'4" | PG Huber Heights Wayne | 2023 State #184 Nation OH , 6’4 PG Huber Heights Wayne 2023: Rice made a one spot jump from 6 to 5 in our latest rankings update after a solid showing on the EYBL circuit for All Ohio Red. Rice is currently one of just three prospects in our top 10 to remain uncommitted as the lanky point guard is considering a variety of high major programs. Rice has good size at the point guard position and showed improvement on his outside shot during the high school season. Rice also has the ability to see over the defense when attacking the lane and makes smart reads in the lane. Rice has been a dominant high school player and I expect him to be one of the top players in Ohio during his senior season, but it’s going to be what he does in the big time games against the likes of Centerville, Kettering Fairmont and top out of conference foes that will really show what he’s capable of.
Lance Hayes Lance Hayes 6'4" | SG St. Vincent-St. Mary's | 2023 State OH , 6’4 SG STVM 2023: Hayes just committed to Kent State, giving the Golden Flashes two Ohio commitments in the 2023 class. Hayes is one of the best defensive prospects I’ve covered in my few years in the state of Ohio as he causes havoc every game he plays. With incredible instincts and toughness, Hayes gets his hands on a lot of loose balls and forces a lot of turnovers. Hayes also had some sneaky offensive performances, a 30+ point outing against Oak Hill last season might be a sign of things to come as Sencire Harris and Ramar Pryor have graduated. Hayes can score from the mid-range and has the upper body strength to finish through rim protectors. Getting a more consistent 3-point shot is a key area of improvement, but Hayes has shown the ability to occasionally make the defense pay when they leave him open. Hayes will be the primary focus of defenses going against STVM next season and it will be fascinating to see how he handles that burden.
Chase Walker Chase Walker 6'8" | C St. Charles | 2023 State OH , 6’8 C St Charles 2023: Walker is a prospect who continues to improve with each time I watch him play. Walker is the biggest prospect in the state, coming in at probably over 300 pounds. Walker is a load in the paint and a unique match-up for high school and grassroots programs. I’ve seen Walker dominate high major bigs who are built to defend on the perimeter and couldn’t handle Walker’s size and strength. Walker is tough to stop when he’s going over his right shoulder and has the vision to beat you with a kick-out pass if you send a double team. Walker committed to Illinois State over Toledo and Liberty, as former Ohio State assistant Ryan Pedon will make recruiting Ohio a priority.
Amire Robinson Amire Robinson 6'4" | SF Buchtel | 2023 State OH , 6’4 SF Buchtel 2023: Robinson might just be my favorite teammate I watch in the state. The leadership he shows on the court is rare to see but something I notice literally every time I watch him play. His Indiana Elite squad didn’t have the top 100 talent that most top 3SSB squads do, but with their chemistry, they made it to the semifinals of the 3SSB championships in Rock Hill. Robinson is accountable on the floor, which is something you don’t see in every young prospect. When there’s a miscommunication, Robinson is there to talk it through with his teammates and always is offering encouragement. His skills on the court aren’t too shabby either, Robinson has developed into an above-average 3-point shooter, who will make you pay if you give him time and space. Robinson is also an elite off ball defender with his solid physical tools and awareness on the court. Robinson is the glue that keeps his teams together and should be an exceptional role player at the mid major level.
Eian Elmer Eian Elmer 6'6" | SF Taft | 2023 State OH , 6’6 PF Taft 2023: Elmer is one of the best athletes in the entire state, throwing down some insane dunks. Elmer is explosive in transition and really good around the rim finishing. Elmer has also flashed some creation ability off the bounce, using some of his burst to create space with the ball in his hands. Elmer will be the go to scorer for Taft this season after they won a state title last season and star Rayvon Griffith decided to head to a prep school for his senior season. It will be interesting to see how Elmer handles the increased scoring responsibility as Taft moves up to Division II.