2019: Fast Risers (Part 2)
The summer is crucial for all of the talent across the United States. In Florida, there are a ton of players looking to not only improve their overall games but also draw more attention from the top college programs.
Here is a look at the second set of fast risers in the class of 2019.
In case you missed it: Part 1
Darin Green (Wharton)
At 6’4″, 165 lbs., Green is a very talented spot up shooter. He can knock down jumpers from outside with ease and his drive to the basket improved two-fold this past season. The rising junior is spending the summer with Team CP25 and that should help Green’s stock rise. He’s certainly someone to monitor. We have Green at No. 31 in the latest 2019 class rankings.
Ben Lubarsky (Benjamin)
Lubarsky had a breakout season for Benjamin as a sophomore averaging 23.4 points and 8.3 rebounds. At 6’5″, 215 lbs., he’s noticeably strong. Lubarsky has drawn interest from North Florida and Dartmouth thus far. He’ll be running with Ball 4 Lyfe United this summer. Look for Lubarsky to keep this thing going as he continues to attack the rim. He is No. 37 in the class rankings.
Braxton Bartlett (Palm Harbor)
Here is perhaps the most unselfish player on this list. Bartlett, a 6’5″ forward has a bright basketball mind who is always looking to get his teammates involved. His passing ability opens up plenty of opportunities for himself later in games. The Nike South Beach starter has drawn interest from Holy Cross, Stetson, Lipscomb, Lee McRae and FIT. A reliable 3-point shooter, Bartlett is No. 39 in the class rankings.
Jake Betlow (Montverde)
Coming down from New Jersey this past season, Jake Betlow was one of many new faces for Montverde. The Eagles used him off the bench to lead the point and he’ll get a chance to do a whole lot more with Marcus Carr headed to Pittsburgh in the fall. Betlow stands at 6’0″, but has long legs and can do plenty of damage from outside. He holds an offer from Stony Brook and will run with Nike Team Florida this summer. Betlow comes in at No. 40 overall in our latest rankings.
Lance Erving (Leesburg)
Erving is a smart kid who told me last month that he plans to study engineering in college. The 6’0″ shooting guard averaged 13.1 points per game for the season and shot 55 percent from the field in the state tourney as he helped Leesburg win a Class 6A state title. He scored 20 points in both the semifinal and final victories. Erving will be running with ThunderStruck where he’ll certainly draw some looks. He is at No. 46 in our 2019 class rankings.