Top new forwards from 2024 rankings update
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The 2024 rankings update saw a couple dozen prospects get added to the list, in this article we’ll take a look at five forwards who made their debut in our 2024 rankings after the last update. Andrea Holden OH #39…
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Continue ReadingThe 2024 rankings update saw a couple dozen prospects get added to the list, in this article we’ll take a look at five forwards who made their debut in our 2024 rankings after the last update.
Holden is a prospect who initially got on my radar playing for Hamilton in June, but improved his stock in the July live period with Midwest Basketball Club’s 3SSB team. Holden is a springy athlete who plays with a great motor and is always active around the rim on both ends. Holden might be a little undersized for a C but his explosive athleticism and motor make up for a lack of height. I really liked what I saw from Holden in July and am excited to continue to monitor his development.
Payne is another athletic forward who has the size, athleticism and length to be a difference maker around the basket. Payne is figuring out things on the offensive end but his touch is something that stands out to me around the basket and from the free throw line. Ursuline is projected to be one of the top teams in the Youngstown area and Payne is a key piece of that squad.
Glass is a prospect who I found playing up for Queen City Prophets 17 U squad as his upside is pretty intriguing. Glass stands taller than most prospects around the basket at 6’8, 6’9 and is physical around the rim. Still pretty raw in his development phase, Glass is a long term bet on him figuring out how to score in the post and improve his footwork to switch onto guards in the future. This is a prospect who with the right development could be something special.
McClellan is a two sport athlete for Saint Edward, also excelling on the diamond as a pitcher. McClellan on the hardwood uses his frame to score around the basket with dribble moves off the bounce to attack slower footed forwards. McClellan also has a good feel for the game and knows where to make the next pass when he catches it. I really liked what I saw from McClellan for Saint Edward this June at Midwest Live and expect him to be a key contributor this winter for the Eagles.
Rakestraw got on our radar with solid performances at the Prep Hoops Circuit Grit Memorial Classic with a Dayton Elite 16 U squad that had a solid spring and summer. Rakestraw continued that performance in June with Chaminade Julienne, further proving his ability to score around the basket and compete on both ends. I expect CJ to compete for a state title in Division II and Rakestraw is a key piece to that team.