Stock Risers: Prospects off to strong starts (2020)

Israel Potoczny

January 3, 2020 @ 12:00 PM

Prep Hoops takes a look at several players who are off to strong starts to the 2019-20 season in the 2020 class. Xavier Bell, 6’4, G, 2020, Andover Central Also a standout on the football field, Bell is a strong and physical prospect who has great speed and size. He is a two-way athlete who can score for himself, handle the ball and rebounds at a high level. Bell can shoot from a distance and is also comfortable going inside and using his frame and scoring closing around the rim. He’s averaging 18.8 points, 6.2 rebounds and one steal per game. He’s also shooting 88 percent from the free throw line and shows he can be consistent when it’s needed. Jerome Washington, 6’5, F, 2020, Andover Central A two-way player who has good size, a strong frame and the ability to score around the basket. he is a strong defender who can handle himself on the perimeter and move inside and score or defend around the paint. He’s averaging 12.6 points, 5.6 rebounds and one steal and one block per game. He’s shooting 44 percent from the field and can connect from the 3-point line to extend plays. Rishaud Dockery, 2020, Bonner Springs Dockery is a solid guard who can handle the ball for himself and score when he has an opening. He's an aggressive player on both sides the floor and brings a good amount of control to the game and a high IQ. He has solid speed and can play strong defense and forced turnovers. He connects from distance and can operate off the ball if he needs to. Dockery is averaging a team-high 16 points per game and adds two steals as well. Walzel Evans, 6’0, G, 2020, JC Harmon Evans is a strong player who is good at forcing turnovers and finishing in transition. He can get to the basket and score and does so well game after game. He's got a toughness to him that stands out and his physicality shows up on both ends of the floor. Evans is shooting 55 percent from the field. He struggles at times from a distance but he gets into rhythm and connects. Evans is averaging 17.2 points, 4.4 assists, 4.8 rebounds and 3.4 steals per game. Brady Palen, 6’3, G/F, 2020, St. John’s Palen is a crafty player who has good size and overall length. He can be slippery at times on offense and understands how to get to the basket and score. He can also connect from outside, showing a soft touch and good form. He can rebound well and has good vision and adds a lot of hustle and good leadership qualities to the floor. He’s shooting 46 percent from the field for a team-high 15.8 points, 9.5 rebounds and two blocks per game.