Bruce’s Best: Summer Stockrisers

<p>The summertime is when players can really shine. Between the various circuits and camps, there are several opportunities for players to raise their profiles. As we enter July and the last big month of the summer, we take a look at some local players that have raised their stock. </p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1496675" first="Laronte" last="Johnson"] <em>5’8 PG Clark 2026</em> - Johnson’s rise is due to both his AAU and high school play. His speed and quickness impressed me when he played with Vegas elite. His toughness and maturity impressed me when he balled with Clark. He has the skills to be a productive PG right from the beginning of his high school career. </p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1057880" first="Hayden" last="Dunn"] <em>6’7 PF Bishop Gorman 2023</em> - Dunn may never make an impact for the Gaels, however, that doesn’t mean he’s not a prospect. Dunn proved to be an efficient back-to-the-basket player when he played in the Grizzles Summer Tournament. His size and mobility make him an intriguing small college sleeper prospect. </p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1496654" first="Kelsey" last="Howard"] <em>6’6 PF Spring Valley 2023</em> - Spring Valley has reloaded for another shot at the 4A crown, and Howard is a big part of the process. A hard hat, glue guy, the Oregon St Football commit gives the Grizzles a big body in the middle and is going to be counted on to rebound and defend the interior. Although not a basketball prospect, his contributions to one of the best teams in the state, instantly make him a stockriser. </p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1020436" first="Graydon" last="Lemke"] <em>6’8 PF Faith Lutheran 2024 (#14PHN 2024)</em> - I have a feeling that a college coach is going to walk into a gym this year and leave salivating over Lemke. The 6’8 forward is one of the best overall shooters in the state regardless of position. His ability to space the floor with his pick and pop shooting is a skill that many college coaches are currently looking for. </p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="986960" first="Nick" last="Jefferson"] 6’0 PG Bishop Gorman 2025  (#11PHN 2025) <em>(featured image)</em> - Jefferson is probably going to be the biggest stockriser of the summer. The PG went from a good prospect to a potential power 5 type. He’s always been a dog on the defensive end, however, his shooting, and playmaking has propelled him into another category. Jefferson has the skills that match today’s prototypical PG and combo guards. He has recently picked up offers from the likes of UTSA, with more on the way. </p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/bruceprephoops/?hl=en">Exclusive Content With Top Prospects</a></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><iframe src="//www.youtube.com/embed/Ol6y2L_8QPo" width="560" height="314" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>