January Recap: Upperclassmen Stock Risers

<p>January was an eventful month for hoops in the DC, Maryland, and Virginia region. Since February is upon us, now is a good time to reflect on our recent findings. Here is a rundown of 10 upperclassmen whose stock is on the rise. </p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="954639" first="Dylan" last="Bronner"] | Georgetown Day (DC) ’22</strong></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="954639" first="Dylan" last="Bronner"]</strong> hit the ground running last week at The St. James Winter League. Bronner is a 3-and-D wing who shoots the ball with confidence. His activity level defensively is very good. Bronner is a deflection machine who plays with maximum effort at all times. </p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1091480" first="Camryn" last="Carter"] | Oak Hill (VA) ’22</strong></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1091480" first="Camryn" last="Carter"]</strong> is a self-proclaimed competitor who backs up his words with actions. Carter is a long lanky guard who takes pride in defense. He is a crafty combo guard who plays above the rim on both ends and showcases an underrated jumper.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="902030" first="Barry" last="Evans"] | Baltimore Poly (MD) ’21</strong></p> <p>In terms of long-term prospects in the local 2021 class, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="902030" first="Barry" last="Evans"]</strong> is among the very best. The lefty wing exhibits very good dexterity and body control at his size. Evans is a versatile all-around contributor who will only continue to improve as he gains additional muscle mass.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="904673" first="Miles" last="Hicks"] | St. Albans (DC) ’22</strong></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="904673" first="Miles" last="Hicks"]</strong> is one of the most improved guards in the local 2022 class. Hicks has grown both physically and mentally. He possesses a nice blend of size, skill, and athleticism to go along with incredible toughness. </p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="902018" first="Byron" last="Ireland Jr."] | St. Frances (MD) ’21</strong></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="902018" first="Byron" last="Ireland Jr."] </strong>remains a hidden gem within the state of Maryland. Ireland is featuring as the starting lead guard for the Baltimore Panthers this year. We’ve seen a new side to his game as a result. Ireland’s ability to play on or off the ball should not be overlooked when considering the top available guards locally.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="962796" first="Nate" last="Pabis"] | Flint Hill (VA) ’22</strong></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="962796" first="Nate" last="Pabis"]</strong> quickly established a reputation as one of the top shooters in his class when he initially burst onto the scene. Pabis has since blossomed into a terrific athlete who does all the little things. He erupted for 31 points, knocking down 7 treys in a win over DC Evolution last week. </p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="957885" first="Jalen" last="Ricks"] | Oak Hill (VA) ’21</strong></p> <p>Arkansas native <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="957885" first="Jalen" last="Ricks"] </strong>deserves legitimate top-100 consideration based on his strong run of play to begin his senior campaign. The rangy wing is a smart two-way player who defends multiple positions. Ricks is also shooting the ball well from all levels. </p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1091491" first="Tye" last="Thompson"] | Bishop Ireton (VA) ’21</strong></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1091491" first="Tye" last="Thompson"]</strong> continues to rattle off impressive performances each time we see him hit the court. The explosive lead guard is impossible to stay in front of and can score from all three levels but will also hurt you with his passing. Thompson could become a hot prospect whenever coaches finally get a chance to watch him in person. </p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="777065" first="Tyrell" last="Ward"] | DeMatha (MD) ’22</strong></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="777065" first="Tyrell" last="Ward"]</strong> is approaching five-star status this winter. Ward’s maturity level is at an all-time high. He’s embracing his role as DeMatha’s defensive stopper and shooting the ball well from long range. </p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="904624" first="Christian" last="Watson"] | St. John’s (DC) ’22</strong></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="904624" first="Christian" last="Watson"]</strong> is another 2022 wing prospect who is trending up at the moment. Watson fits the 3-and-D archetype perfectly. His feel for the game has improved and this is evident when you see the increased level of control that he plays with. </p>