2023 Grassroots Stockrisers
In this article:
While I spent some time reviewing the 1st Team performers from the AAU season, it is best to also highlight the stock risers and guys that have improved this Spring. These 5 2023s made improvements in their games and are…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingWhile I spent some time reviewing the 1st Team performers from the AAU season, it is best to also highlight the stock risers and guys that have improved this Spring. These 5 2023s made improvements in their games and are deserving of recognition.
Lance Hayes Lance Hayes 6'4" | SG St. Vincent-St. Mary's | 2023 State OH Midwest Basketball Club (St. Vincent St. Mary)
Hayes has accepted his role with Midwest as a defensive specialist and coming off of the bench for one of the 3SSB’s top teams. This role is very different from Hayes’ role with SVSM but he has shown he can be truly one of the best defenders in the state. Hayes lateral quickness and tenacity on the defensive end gives him an advantage and is a reason why I think he is one of the top risers in the 2023 class.
Will Maxwell Will Maxwell 6'5" | SF Oakwood | 2023 State OH All Ohio Red (Oakwood)
Maxwell played extremely well in some EYBL action as well as AOR’s Super Sixteen tournament. The 6-foot-6 SG has shown improved takeover ability on the offensive end and particularly showed impressive play against D1 level competition in the EYBL. Maxwell has already attracted attention from LM programs in the Midwest and I believe he could see more with continued performances like this.
Julian Mitchell Julian Mitchell 6'5" | SF Lakota East | 2023 State OH R4L Elite (Lakota East)
Mitchell showed some serious growth since seeing him compete with Lakota East last Winter. Mitchell has great length and athleticism which he put on display with R4L. Mitchell has developed from a D3 guy to becoming an NAIA type of player. He is intriguing with his 6-foot-7 frame and seems to have some opportunity for growth and further development.
Ayden Carter Ayden Carter 6'4" | SG Fremont Ross | 2023 State OH Hopson Elite (Fremont Ross)
Carter went from a name I did not know at all before seeing him in AAU to becoming arguably one of the best D2 level guys in the state. Carter has a lot of upside on the offensive end of the floor and showed great finishing around the rim. Carter can create plenty of opportunities for himself with his size and slashing abilities.
Darius Stratford Darius Stratford 6'8" | C St. Vincent-St. Mary's | 2023 State OH Wildcat Select (St. Vincent St. Mary)
After a strong performance in the state tournament, Stratford continued with solid play in the Adidas 3SSB Session 1. Stratford has a large frame and at 6-foot-10 has a great presence around the rim. Stratford has shown improvement with his footwork and more confident with the ball on the blocks. I don’t see why he won’t be a target for LM programs in the region.