Movements of Note: 2016 Rankings
The class of 2016 rankings were updated and there were a few moves that had to happen. We’ll take a look at a few prospects that made jumps along with others that may have entered or left the rankings altogether.…
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Continue ReadingThe class of 2016 rankings were updated and there were a few moves that had to happen. We’ll take a look at a few prospects that made jumps along with others that may have entered or left the rankings altogether.
First and foremost, UMass signee Brison Gresham (6’8 PF) moved on Notre Dame Prep to prepare for his freshman season at UMass. The big man was ranked #4 in the state prior to leaving. On the other hand, Braxton Bernard (6’4 SG, Donaldsonville) returned to the state and has returned to his previous scoring form late in the season, he sits at 29th.
There is only one unsigned player left in the Top 10 and that’s Jalen Johnson (6’7 F, UHigh). He’s been on a tear and has moved from 9th to 7th in the newest rankings. Unsigned senior Brandon Ellis (6’0 PG, Northside) also made a big jump after proving he can run the show or score if needed and resides at 27th in the rankings.
There were numerous players who dropped either out of the rankings or had a big fall simply due to their basketball careers being over when they signed for football or enrolled early for football. Some are uncommitted for football but chose to not play basketball for fear of injury. That impacted the rankings as well.
LSU-Alexandria (#1 D1 NAIA team in nation) has had a strong presence with 5 local commits. Multiple players have also committed to being dual sport athletes in college. Most recently that was Bladrick Veal (6’6 PF, Southern Lab) who committed to play football and basketball for Southern University.
Other players who made big jumpers were guards such as JaCoby Ross (6’0 G, Peabody) who has been scoring at a very high clip this season and Nigel Allen (6’1 PG, Port Allen) who has carried that team beyond expectations of those outside of the program. Their play has them on multiple radar’s for college.
Some players who entered the rankings altogether were #65 Araden Adams (6’2 G, Carencro), #87 Ignatius Patt (6’4 G, Breaux Bridge), and #145 Sam Williams (6’0 PG, Christian Life). One big man who continues to rise is Darian Jones (6’7 F/C, Brusly) who is still a sleeper to some coaches.