Vantage 2019 Updated Rankings Breakdown: Wings (Part 1)
We’ve now had two years of high school and AAU basketball to break down the 2019 class, and things look much different then our first rankings of them two years ago. While rankings are always subject to change, especially with the reclass and transfer rate as it is, almost all of the players have improved whether they dropped or rose in our rankings.
When taking rankings into consideration, the Vantage Hoops team spends about a month contacting coaches and experts across the state to compile the list. There were over 250 kids we considered for the top 100, and the rankings reflect the next level potential of the prospects. Things taken into consideration include upside, high school production, head-to-head matchups, skill set on both sides of the ball and include intangibles such such as how recruitable a kid is based on grades, attitude and how coachable they are.
We will spend the next few weeks breaking down our new rankings from 2018 through 2020. Here’s a look at part one of our 2019 wings prospects. Enjoy, and stay tuned for more breakdowns moving forward!
Josh Nickelberry | 6’4” | Oak Hill Academy/GAME Elite 17U (#2 Overall)
A dynamic all-around scoring guard, Nickelberry was a big part of a talented GAME Elite program last summer and with his decision to transfer to national powerhouse Oak Hill Academy he’ll get a chance to do it on against the toughest schedule in the country this year. A smooth wing with a great frame, Nickelberry’s a true three level scorer that can stretch the defense from deep, score in the midrange in a number of ways and is an athletic and strong finisher around the basket. In transition he attacks the rim hard and has great body control, and in the half court he’s under the control and knows how to get to his spots to get his shot off. His ability to finish tough shots at all three levels is what makes him such a lethal scorer, and is the main reason he has many of the nation’s top programs recruiting him.
Aundre Hyatt | 6’6” | Miller School/Boo Williams 17U (#4 Overall)
Arguably the best pure shooter on this list, Hyatt has great size on the wing and can really stroke it off the catch. He has effortless range from deep, and because of his size has the ability to play some stretch four when his team decides to go small. He’s a good rebounder as a wing, uses his size and strength to score in the lane and he rarely goes through long shooting droughts. Combine all of those and you have a lethal scorer and the main reason he averaged close to 25 points per game last season. He had a good summer as a hybrid forward for Boo Williams on the EYBL Circuit, and is one of the most highly touted shooters in the country with 20 offers to date.
Khyree Temple | 6’5” | Phoebus/Boo Williams Chiz (#7 Overall)
Temple missed the first half of last high school season with Phoebus due to academic reasons after transferring from Philadelphia where he played as a freshman, but when he came back he dominated helping Phoebus to the state semifinals. An uber athletic wing with a solid skill set and really high motor, Temple is a productive matchup problem that brings energy to his team on both ends. He’s a highlight reel finisher in transition, he’s a big time rim protector that can guard on the perimeter and in the post and he’s a good rebounder on both ends of the floor. He’s stuck between positions, but that isn’t as bad of a thing considering the positionless way that basketball is moving.
Zac Ervin | 6’5” | Gate City/Team Loaded VA (#8 Overall)
A shooter by trade, Ervin is lights out from deep and isn’t afraid to let it fly. He has good size and a solid frame, is a good athlete that can finish around the rim and he’s a high academic kid who is being recruited by some of the best schools in the area. He had a big season as a sophomore at Gate City as he paired up with YouTube sensation Mac McClung, and his ability to score it all over the court and pure shooting stroke is going to impress college coaches moving forward.
Julien Wooden | 6’6” | Northside/Team Loaded VA (#11 Overall)
Wooden is an all around player with a good skill set and he can do a little bit of everything on the floor. He doesn’t shoot it much, but he has a nice looking stroke from deep and his length allows him to shoot over smaller players. His length and athleticism are also a big thing defensively, as he uses it to contest shots and make ball handlers uncomfortable. The biggest asset for Wooden is his unselfishness and good IQ as a wing. He doesn’t settle for good shots, he’ll attack the rim and get himself or his teammates a great shot. His ability to play and guard multiple positions bolds well for him moving forward, and we’d be shocked if he didn’t pull in more than a few offers from midmajor programs this season.
Marchelus Avery | 6’6” | Life Christian Academy/BWSL Dip (#14 Overall)
Avery, who transferred to Life Christian and reclassified to 2020 so won’t be on this list at the next rankings, is as talented as anyone on this list and if he gets the off the court stuff right he could be a high major prospect moving forward. At 6’6”, he’s a good athlete that can make shots all over the court and play all over the court as well. He can put it on the floor to create shots, catch-and-shoot from deep or post up smaller players and get shots in the paint. He’s just a naturally gifted player that you can plug into different spots and can do a lot of different things on the floor. He’ll be a big time player to keep an eye on over the next three seasons for coaches looking for talented wings.