2023 player rankings: 4 takeaways from the top 10

<p>The 2023 Tennessee player rankings had a slight makeover in the top 10. Each prospect inside the top 10 can make a case for being higher.</p> <p>That’s just how talented the top 10 is.</p> <p>Here are 4 takeaways from the top 10.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="992497" first="Jaylen" last="Jones"] makes his way back into the top 5</strong></p> <p>The junior point guard was deserving of moving back inside the top 5. Jones led East Nashville to this past season’s TSSAA Division 1 Class 2A State Championship, and he did it in fashion. The 6-foot-0 floor general showcased his ability to be a smoother passer than he’s ever been thus far in his high school basketball career. Jones has found that balance between being a passer and a scorer. He’s crafty with the basketball and doesn’t have a problem getting to his spots. Defensively, Jones can be disruptive as he recorded three steals in the Magnet’s win over Milan in the championship game.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1034555" first="E.J." last="Smith"] hops back into the top 3</strong></p> <p>The 6-3 guard moves up two spots to No. 2, trailing only <strong>Blue</strong> <strong>Cain</strong>. Smith was Memphis East’s most consistent player from start to finish. After missing his sophomore season due to covid-19, Smith played the entire 2021 season with a chip on his shoulder. He took on more responsibilities this season as he had log in a lot of minutes at point guard. Smith displayed how well he can see the floor. He averaged 6.5 assists for the Mustangs. Smith showcased his ability to get downhill and finish at the rim. He’s also a pretty good on-ball defender. Whether a lot of people paid attention or not, Smith’s 2021 season (15 points and 6.7 rebounds) was only chapter two of a book he’s still writing.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1029084" first="Jack" last="Medalie"] leaps into the top 10 </strong></p> <p>Medalie is one of the best shooters in this class, which helped him jump five spots to No. 10. The 6-6 shooting guard is not only a great spot-up shooter, but he’s a great catch-and-shoot prospect. Medalie can also put the basketball on the floor and take his defender to the rim or stop to knock down the mid-range jump shot. He can effective on the defensive end, as he’s not a pushover and will find a way to get his hands on the basketball.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1029090" first="Lukas" last="Walls"] moves closer to the top 5</strong></p> <p>Knoxville Webb’s [player_tooltip player_id="1029090" first="Lukas" last="Walls"] moved up to No. 6 in the latest 2023 player rankings. The 6-4 combo guard has been steadily good since the beginning of last summer and his production continued into the 2021 season. Walls averaged 18 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 3.0 assists for the Spartans this past season. He can be effective at both guard spots as he’s able to score and make the right reads when needed. Walls’ value continues to grow since he’s a solid knockdown shooter, great communicator and hard worker on the floor.</p> <p><strong>Other notes</strong></p> <p>Junior guard <strong>Jamarion</strong> <strong>Harvey</strong> moved up to No. 8. He was a reliable scorer for Memphis East in 2021 and was one of a few guards that can get going offensively and stay in a groove for an entire contest.</p>