Off-Season Stock Risers
In this article:
Landon Classen Landon Classen 6'1" | CG O'Neill | 2023 State NE | 6’1 G | O’Neill The 6-foot-1 guard has been playing high-level varsity minutes since his freshman year. The junior guard was a major part of the Eagles’…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingLandon Classen Landon Classen 6'1" | CG O'Neill | 2023 State NE | 6’1 G | O’Neill
The 6-foot-1 guard has been playing high-level varsity minutes since his freshman year. The junior guard was a major part of the Eagles’ success this season. Landon is a deadeye shooter from distance, averaging 39 percent from long range. A walking bucket, Landon went over 20 points ten times this season. His scoring ability had him ranked top 10 in the state for juniors. Not just a scorer, he’s able to dish out the ball also. Second in the state for assist amongst juniors, Landon’s vision put a lot of his teammates in scoring position this past season. Classen and the Eagles have a lot of opportunities next season. With all the offensive tangibles down pact Landon’s next step will be on the defensive end, leading the team in steals he played the passing lanes very well this season.
Averages: 18.5 ppg (7th in State for Juniors), 5.1 assists (2nd in State for Juniors), 5.1 rebounds, 2.3 steals
Best Performances: 12/02 31 points and 10 rebounds vs Valentine, 12/28 8 assists vs North Central
Malachi Washington Malachi Washington 6'5" | PF Boys Town | 2023 State NE | 6’5 F | Boys Town
Washington is an athletic wing that can battle down low. With his high motor, he flies up and down the court and hustles to every ball in his proximity. The man must have magnets in his hands how much the ball finds itself to his hands after every missed shot. Snagged 20+ rebounds in a couple of games for the Cowboys. As just a junior, Malachi led the entire state in rebounds this past season. Not just a monster on the boards, he can fill it up too. Top ten in scoring for juniors this last season, the athletic forward was able to put the ball in the hoop with ease. Washington scored 20+ ten times this season. Able to finish at the rim would like for him to work on creating his shot more. Hitting just 19 threes this past season, Malachi can benefit from developing a consistent outside shot. With all the other tools Washington is a terrific player and deserves to rank high the next season.
Averages: 18.52 ppg (8th for Junior Class), 14.4 rebounds (Top in-state), 1.1 block
Best Performances: 12/17 27 points vs Platteview, 1/18 22 rebounds vs Elkhorn North, 2/11 4 blocks vs Lourdes Central Catholic
Carter Tempelmeyer Carter Tempelmeyer 6'0" | SG Lincoln East | 2023 State NE | 6’2 G | Lincoln East/Nebraska Supreme 17U UAA
The junior guard took a huge leap from his second year to his junior year. The sharpshooter cashed in a ton of threes from long distance this season and did it at an efficient rate, knocking down 42 percent of his triples from deep. His quick trigger shot and his ability to finish at the hoop have him top 15 in scoring for juniors this last season. Going over 30 points a couple of games this season, the junior guard proved he can fill it up. Carter doesn’t force anything on the court, always picking his spots he shot 50 percent from the field. Has the makeup to be a better defender and certainly took strides this season leading his team in steals this past season. With this past season’s experience, the sky is the ceiling for the junior guard heading into his senior year.
Averages: 17.9 ppg, 3.0 rebounds, 1.4 steals
Best Performances: 2/19 33 points vs Norfolk 02/15 6 rebounds vs Omaha Northwest 12/17 4 steals vs Gretna
Dakarai Davis Dakarai Davis 5'10" | CG Omaha Burke | 2023 State NE | 5’10 G | Omaha Burke
The lead guard for the Bulldogs showed flashes of offensive explosions this past season. The junior guard lead Burke in points rebounds and assists this past season. A knock-down shooter from distance the lefty shooter shot 38 percent from a long distance. Can turn it on with a quickness. He scored 20+ five times this past season. The 5-foot-10 guard led his team in rebound despite his size. His quickness on defense helps him stay in front of a lot of perimeter players, and his active feet help him to be a good on-ball pest. His willingness to learn and work ethic can set him apart this next season. With more experience in the offense and taking care of the ball more will show improvement for the soon-to-be senior.
Averages: 15.4 ppg, 4.2 rebounds, 1.8 assists
Best Performances: 12/02 29 points and 8 rebounds vs Benson, 02/12 8 threes vs Elkhorn South 12/11 9 rebounds vs North Star
Alex Draper Alex Draper 6'1" | CG Platteview | 2023 State NE | 6’1 G | Platteview
A marksman from deep the junior guard poured it in from long distance this last season. A dead-eye from long distance, Alex connected on 76 triples this season 2nd most for all juniors. Hitting 37 percent of his three, the junior guard made almost three triples a game for the Trojans this season helping them to post-season play. Shooting already in his DNA other parts of his game will have to improve next season. Playing along with another scoring guard the efficient for Alex will look to improved next season shooting just 37 percent from the field this last season. Regardless of only shooting 14 free throws the entire season, Alex is a good free-throw shooter but would like to see him drive more for easy shots at the charity stripe. More would be required for the upcoming senior this next season, taking a big role on offense and defense can have his name mentioned more next season.