NY 2022 Rankings: Newcomers Pt. 1
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As the 2022 season begins to wind down, we were able to pinpoint the players to earn a spot on our 2022 rankings. Even after a long fight to start the season, players were still able to make the most…
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Continue ReadingAs the 2022 season begins to wind down, we were able to pinpoint the players to earn a spot on our 2022 rankings. Even after a long fight to start the season, players were still able to make the most of it and signify their claim on a spot on these rankings. Today, we go through some of 2022’s rankings newcomers.
10. Zaire Wells Zaire Wells 6'4" | SG South Shore | 2021 State NY | South Shore
When looking at Zaire Wells Zaire Wells 6'4" | SG South Shore | 2021 State NY , I’m initially surprised for him to be only a newcomer. Coming in at the edge of the top ten, Wells checks off all the boxes of a top recruit. The elite shooting guard is a master ballhandler, able to weave through the defense and make attempt after attempt at the rim. Wells is an elite shooter, being able to be a reliable scorer from anyone on the court, and knows how to distribute the ball well.
60. Manu Alford Manu Alford 6'3" | SF Holy Trinity | 2022 State NY | Stepinac
Yes, it’s another Stepinac player on this list, but for good reason. The lefty Traore is able to explode to the basket, taking on contact and being able to shoot and finish over two or three defenders. His athleticism gives him extra pop on offense and makes him a tough defender, and his lateral quickness makes him able to guard a multitude of positions to a great extent.
17. Jayshayne Woodard Jayshayne Woodard 6'6" | SF Woodstock Academy | 2022 State New E | Wings Academy
The 6-6 shooting guard out of Wings Academy in the Bronx, Woodard is able to flat-out control the offense. Woodard thrives best when he is the primary option on the offense, with the ball in his hands and Woodard being able to cut through the defense. Woodard is able to make the right pass on offense, as well as create space with a defender for his shot.
21. Zaire Baines Zaire Baines 6'0" | PG Portledge | 2022 State NY | Our Saviour Lutheran
Although Zaire Baines Zaire Baines 6'0" | PG Portledge | 2022 State NY is a bit undersized for a forward, he more than makes up for it. His lower body strength and vertical still give him the size, athleticism, and power that forwards need to thrive on the court, while he also can play as a guard, shooting and spacing the floor and controlling the offense all 94 feet.
12. Xavier Lewis Xavier Lewis 6'0" | PG The Knox School | 2022 State NY | Knox
Yet another great guard on this list, Xavier Lewis Xavier Lewis 6'0" | PG The Knox School | 2022 State NY excels at creating opportunities at the rim. Talbert is able to power to the rim and contort his body so he goes around defenders, creating contact and still getting clean looks at the basket. He’s able to lead the offense, both fast-paced and yet slow tempo. His form is very solid, and with a high and quick release like him, don’t expect many defenders to be able to guard him well.
51. Devere Palmer Devere Palmer 6'7" | PF Christ the King | 2022 State NY | Poly Prep
Devere Palmer Devere Palmer 6'7" | PF Christ the King | 2022 State NY has demonstrated in his time on the high school stage that he is shifty. His ball-handling is extremely smooth and he is able to change speed, height, and direction easily to confuse the defender and get by him. Ragusa may be one of the best in NYC at finishing and his distribution and shooting only increase his stock.