2019 Prospect Rankings: Biggest Stock Risers (Part 2)
Recently, we released our updated class of 2019 prospect rankings. It’s important to note that these rankings are not a simple measure of “who’s better right now” or “who will have a better college career.” Instead, the rankings were developed by taking into consideration a player’s production in their current situation as well as their potential ability to play college ball, with the latter holding slightly more weight. It is also important to note that these rankings aren’t the determining factor in a player’s success both at the high school level and the college level. With this being said, let’s take a look at some players who’s stock rose big time over the last year:
Zach Goodline (Coloma)
Goodline is that player that is super tough to rank – on one hand, he’s the complete package offensively and has repeated strong performances against even the best competition. On the other hand, he’s a generous 5’11” and doesn’t play above the rim. With that being said, it would be foolish to dismiss Goodline simply because of his size – he’s produced as well as anybody over the past year. He has some of the best handles in the state and gives even the best defenders fits. In addition to that, there’s few shots Goodline can’t hit – whether it be step-backs, fade-aways, double clutch layups, threes from several feet behind the line, you name it. While he’s certainly a score-first player, he’s just as capable of a facilitator as well. Simply put, Goodline is one of the best offensive players in the state.
Daniel Friday (UD Jesuit)
Friday is another guy who made a huge leap in the rankings from last year, as he was in the hundreds last year compared to being ranked at 15 now. The 6’3″ combo guard is among the top prospects in the 2019 class due to his combination of physical stature and skill. One thing that stands out about Friday is his strength, which is very much above average for his age. He uses this strength to bully smaller guards in the post. Friday has a good set of handles and excels at getting to the rim. He’s already received a pair of mid-major D1 offers and should receive a handful more in he continues his play from last AAU season this year.
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Tariq Shepherd (East English Village)
While Shepherd didn’t have a remarkable climb in the rankings like some other players on this list, he did jump 10 spots to the number 21 slot. Perhaps the bigger reason for Shepherd being one of the biggest stock risers is that he bolstered his position by picking up a D1 offer from Detroit in July, as well as another via Northern Illinois in September. Last year, he helped contribute in a large way but played the role of the third option behind Greg Elliot and Dave Dejulius. With Elliot now playing at Marquette, look for the sharpshooting Shepherd to step up even further.
Elias Ramirez (Bay City Central)
The 6’1″ combo guard makes a considerable jump in the rankings from last year, as he’s up over 20 spots. Ramirez had a solid AAU season running with 1Nation. Looking forward to this high school season, Ramirez will be the number option and look to carry a bulk of the production for his squad. He’s a smooth shooter and will make a defense pay all game if left open. Also, he excels at hitting pull-up midrange jumpers. He’s one of the more overlooked prospects in the Saginaw Valley League – it wouldn’t be surprising for him to quietly have a big season.
Migwaahns Barrientoz (Traverse City West)
Barrientoz stands at about 5’11” and is capable of successfully playing the role of a primary scorer or primary facilitator. While not necessarily physically imposing or super athletic, he does possess two valuable attributes – high levels of skill and IQ. Barrientoz uses his craftiness to beat more athletic defenders. He has good vision and makes smart decisions with his passes. Perhaps the biggest thing that stands about his game is that he doesn’t back down from a challenge – he always plays with a certain confidence no matter the opponent.
Josh Palo (Howell)
Palo impressed this AAU season running with the Lansing Prospectors. At 6’2″, he has a high level of skill – good handles, footwork, shot, passing ability and IQ. If he gets the opportunity, Palo can shake a defender in an isolation situation with a variety of moves. It’s important to note he does a great job creating offense for himself or his teammates without forcing the action or over-dribbling. Palo also has a reliable shot from pretty much everywhere on the floor – defenders have to honor his ability to hit the midrange pull-up jumper, which allows him to blow by quicker, more athletic defenders with a simple hesitation or head fake. Similar to Ramirez, don’t be surprised if Palo has a quietly strong junior campaign.