2018 End of Summer Rankings
Updated Rankings. The 2018 group had many player’s stock rise considerably within the past school year and club season. The headliners for the class of 2018 are still the same; however, there is a new #1. Moreover, the bigs continue…
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Continue ReadingThe 2018 group had many player’s stock rise considerably within the past school year and club season. The headliners for the class of 2018 are still the same; however, there is a new #1. Moreover, the bigs continue to dominate the field, but there are plenty of talented guards that belong to the 5’11 and under club that will play big time minutes in the upcoming season.
2018 Big Men Dominate the field
In this particular group, the first player that appears under 6’0 is #25 Deven Breckner of Deer Valley. Five of the first six players ranked are versatile enough to play 3-5 at the high school and collegiate level.
No. 1 Tevy Jones – Jones saw the biggest jump out of any of the players on this list as he has improved his game considerably and has the most collegiate potential out of any player in this state. Jones has the athleticism to guard 3-5 and even some 2. Moreover, he has the skill set to the point that he can play almost any spot on the court. He has improved his post game as well as his ability to shoot the basketball to the point that he is a headache everywhere on the court. Jones has received interest from some NCAA Division-1 High Majors due to his versatile skillset and athleticism.
No. 2 Timmy Allen – Allen is a college ready prospect who is also drawing a lot of attention from high major programs. Allen has the size and strength to play on the block and has considerably worked on his perimeter skills as well. Much like Jones, he has the athleticism and skill set to play an array of spots which makes him a good prospect for the next level.
No. 3 KJ Hymes – Hymes has come a long way from the lengthy freshman that many saw oozing with potential. It is apparent that he has spent a considerable amount of time working on his craft and has turned that potential into skill. In the process, he has drawn a lot of attention to himself while participating with the Las Vegas Prospects. Hymes looks much more fluid in his movement and makes a huge impact on the defensive end due to his length. As he continues to improve his strength, lateral movement, and speed; the higher his ceiling rises. He is capable of playing the four in a pick and pop or traditional 3 out 2 in offense. As he continues to improve and add these elements, his stock should continue to go through the roof.
No. 4 Steele Bennett – Bennett took a considerable jump from the previous rankings and is the highest ranked player that participates with an instate club. Bennett has improved his footwork on the block tremendously, has a good motor, and uses his length well on the defensive end. Moreover, his post tools would make Tim Duncan proud as he has a really soft touch on his shot and does a nice job of finding the backboard. Bennett looks poised to play High to Mid-major NCAA Division-1 college ball. It will be fun to see how he develops prior to his senior year as he has improved his game greatly.
No. 6 Trey Wood – Wood has grown, literally and figuratively, substantially since his high school career began. He started out at 6’2 and has grown to 6’8. His shooting percentages from deep left some to be desired, but as he improves that portion of his game, the more and more lucrative his skillset looks. He is a monster on the glass, has a good motor, and does an excellent job of rotating in help side to alter and block shots. This past season, he averaged nearly 15 points, 11 rebounds, and 7 blocks per game. That is a stat line that any coach would want.
2018 5’11 and Under Club
Although the first 24 spots are comprised of players that are 6’0 or taller, there are some guards in this class that can flat out play despite their stature.
No. 25 Deven Breckner – Breckner might be the most fundamentally sound player in this entire 2018 class. He has a terrific handle and a love for the game. He is the type of player that spends an extra hour after every practice work on his skills because of his passion and it definitely shows. He is a top tier shooter who has a great handle on the ball. Moreover, he is solid at dictating the tempo of the game and putting teammates in a position to be successful. Moreover, he is an underrated defender who competes at a very high level on that end of the floor.
No. 27 Bryson Mewhinney – Teammate Kyle Fischer and Mewhinney improved their stock during the course of this past high school season more than any players in the 2018 class. As Freshman, these two players were on a varsity team at Sunnyslope that was largely preparing for the future. Needless to say, Christmas came early for Sunnyslope as this sophomore laden group made it all the way to the state championship for Division 1. Mewhinney is a crafty point guard with a lot of length despite his height. He uses his footwork well and change of pace well to create for himself and others.
No. 30 Tashon Brown – Brown earned significant minutes this past year for a semi-finals finalist in Paradise Valley. With two of the top players on the team moving to the college ranks, Brown will look to play a much bigger role for this team. He does a really good job of pressuring the opposing team’s guards and getting the basketball up the floor. For being such a young player, he has a mature basketball IQ and rarely wastes dribbles.
No. 32 Josh Johnson – Johnson was the 5th highest scorer for sophomores this past year as he averaged a little under 20 a game. Johnson is a capable shooter, but where he makes his living is out of triple threat and with a live ball. He explodes out of his moves with great speed and force. Moreover, despite his 5’7 height, he is a gifted athlete and has a good vertical as well as hang time. Due to his height, he has had to learn how to use his body to create favorable angles on drives and shots. He will move up in division next year and into arguably the toughest region in 5A with Sunnyslope and Apollo. It will be fun to see how he responds to the increase in talent.
No. 33 Tyrese Eugene – Eugene has a very versatile and balanced game. As a sophomore, he averaged 7 points per game. With that said, he drew the toughest guard assignments for the team and was a force on the glass for the team despite his 5’11 size. He has improved his strength and drives to the rim with a physical manner. Moreover, he was a much more confident shooter throughout the spring and summer as he had multiple games where he hit 5 or more threes. Look for this 2018 prospect to have a breakout season at Ironwood this next year.