Prospect Rankings Update: 2019 Top Slashers
There are 121 total players included in our 2019 Prospect Rankings, all of which will be included exactly once in our week-long series, where we will segment analysis by player speciality. Throughout the entire week, you can expect articles to include a list of 10-20 players who fit a theme, with five or more individual break-downs.
To begin our dissection of the rankings, let’s take a look at guards and wings who penetrate gaps in the defense for finishes at the basket.
#9 Amari Davis
Sometimes, Davis‘ first-step is all it takes for him to get to the cup. He has elite bounce and mid-air body control, creating a finishing package of thunderous dunks or layups/floaters with soft touch.
Davis moved down five spots in the updated rankings, which is more credit to other guys rather than a slight on him. We still consider Davis a D-I prospect, which is verified by scholarship offers from Toledo and Cleveland State in June.
#16 William Mfum
Mfum is a high-flyer from Columbus Northland who is developing as a passer. He’s always had the ability to dive into the lane, but his recent development of recognizing when to pass has risen Mfum’s ranking from #37 to #16.
He’s received offers from Youngstown State and Robert Morris since our last update.
#26 Morgan Safford
Safford shined with C2K Elite this summer, as his strong frame and driving ability were a changeup on a team of shooters. He excelled with the floor spread by remaining relentless and hard-nosed in his pursuit of the painted area.
#36 Ben Fort
#48 Kenny Ganley
Ganley is a versatile guard/wing that Division II programs should evaluate closely. He can work as the primary ball-handler or spread the floor with catch-and-shoot ability. Yet, we find Ganley most impactful when he’s carving out space within the arch.
Ganley received an offer from Northwood, a D-II in Michigan, this June.
#50 Jake Plantz
Plantz’s shooting has shown development this spring/summer, which should work nicely as a compliment to his physical driving style. Plantz creates separation by seeking contact, as his athleticism is usually too much to absorb for defenders.
#60 Alek West
West is a load of physicality that creates problems for opposing point guards. We’d actually suggest high school teams to defend him with a larger wing, because West takes advantage of back-peddling defenders often. Once he raises his shooting percentage in the paint, West will likely end up as a scholarship player.
#63 Demetrus Terry
Terry really showed us some flashes in Akron this spring at the Dru Joyce Classic. His quickness as a leaper and driver should be a valued asset for a young Lakewood St. Edward team next season.
#75 Trey Brooks
#76 Dorian Holloway
#78 Alex Dotson
#82 Jake Maranville
#84 D’arris Dean
#85 Kemon’dre Muhammad
#101 RaHeim Moss
#111 Elijah Thomas
Thomas breaks out of hesitation moves with fluid bursts of speed towards the rim. He’s able to squeeze through small gaps in the defense and attempt two-foot floaters or layups from there. We’re very interested to track his production as he continues gobbling up playing time.