Class of 2018 Rankings: Biggest Risers (Part II)
Having launched a new edition of the class of 2018 rankings last week, today we are taking a look at the biggest climbers.
These are players, through improvements in their games — sometimes physical growth doesn’t hurt either — who have raised their stock over the past several months, earning a climb in the rankings.
Here’s the second look at who was on the way up during their junior seasons:
Michkaleke Baker, 5-8 guard, Gateway. Previous: No. 79. Current: No. 43.
Baker continues to prove that he can play, regardless of his size. Baker had a monster season for Gateway, leading the team in every major category. His athleticism and toughness are what allow him to fare so well against players taller than him. Division II and jucos, should have him on their radar.
Chase Rogers, 6-0 guard, Evergreen. Previous: NR. Current: No. 45.
Rogers worked hard in the offseason ahead of his junior year to improve his skills as a distributor and was among the leaders in assists in his class at nearly five per game. Also has the ability to knock down shots from the outside, and he defends his position well. Should get good exposure this spring and summer on a B&B Academy squad that features potential Division I prospect Adam Thistlewood.
Charles Dinegar, 6-5 forward, D’Evelyn. Previous: NR. Current: No. 63.
Dinegar was one of the catalysts behind a memorable season for the Jaguars. He has good hand-eye coordination that helps him be very dependable with the basketball. D’Evelyn often ran their offense through Dinegar in the high post, where he could take a defender off the dribble, find cutters or hit midrange jumpers. He’s just a solid overall player, and he’ll be a real nice addition this season for the Colorado Chaos 17U elite squad.
Tyson Cruickshank, 5-10 guard, ThunderRidge. Previous: NR. Current: No. 79.
The young point guard earned valuable time in the backcourt this season for a team that ran all the way to the 5A state semifinals. Cruickshank has a tight handle and makes good decisions with the basketball. He shows a good feel of when to attack and how, and he’s got a smooth jumper that extends to the 3-point line. He enters his final season of club basketball as a player for Division III and NAIA schools to keep any eye on.
Devon Ricketts, 6-1 guard, Mesa Ridge. Previous NR. Current: 80.
Ricketts hopped on our radar with an impressive performance last fall in the Prep Hoops Top 250 Expo. He’s got a nice handle and can get to the rim with a good first step.