2018 Stock Risers
The 2018 rankings have been updated for the first time since November. We have seen several players step up their play and in result, they have seen their ranking rise. Here are my 2018 stock risers.
Brantzer Blackner 6’4 Guard (Canyon View) had a great junior high school season as he averaged 19 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists. He has great size for a shooting guard and can elevate and shoot over defenders. Blackner recently picked up a D1 offer from southern Utah University and is the #5 ranked player in the class of 2018 in the state of Utah.
James Nelson 6’5 Guard (Salem Hills) was one of the top scorers in the entire state of Utah. He is able shoot over defenders and can score from the mid-range and from the three. Nelson is working on his ball handling and I expect him to have a huge senior season. I think he is a good D2 prospect or could go the junior college route and would have a chance at D1.
Jason Ricketts 6’5 Guard/Forward (Juan Diego) really impressed during the June high school team camp period. He plays a lot like Draymond Green of the Golden State Warriors. Ricketts is able to score in the post, lead the break and score in transition and score in the half court. I really like his the way he passes the ball and his basketball IQ. I think he needs to go the junior college route and then D2 or even D1 is a possibility.
Steven Ashworth 6’0 Guard (Lone Peak) has a very impressive junior season as his team made it to the state championship game. He has all of the intangibles that a next level point guard needs to possess. Ashworth goes into the live period with a chip on his shoulder as he tries to prove he is a legit D1 prospect. I really like his game and his passing ability is off the charts!
Ross Reeves 6’1 Guard (Orem) went from an unknown played to a top 25 player in the class of 2018 in the state of Utah. The sharpshooter has a great junior season as he averaged over 26 points per game in leading his team into the 4A state playoffs. Reeves is very crafty and is able to get his shot off on bigger defenders and also finds ways to score in the paint. I think he can play at the D2 level or could go the Juco route and really help a team with his shooting ability.