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<p>The 2023 player rankings update released earlier today and as usual, we'll have a flow of content surrounding the update breaking down different positions and themes. We'll start off with a very quick look into who made the top 10.</p>
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<p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>1. [player_tooltip player_id='957018' first='Amani' last='Hansberry'] | Mount St. Joe/[program_tooltip program_id='2078457' first='Team' last='Durant']</strong></p>
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<p>To no surprise, Hansberry keeps his No. 1 spot in the rankings after a summer that caught attention of plenty around the country. The 6-foot-8 forward is the epitome of production as you can sharpie him in for a double-double every time he takes the floor. Other areas of his game such as his ball-handling, play making and shooting have all taken significant strides. Hansberry is set to join head coach Brad Underwood at Illinois after defending the MIAA A Conference and BCL crowns that the Gaels won last season.</p>
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<p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>2. [player_tooltip player_id='957025' first='Jahnathan' last='Lamothe'] | St. Frances/[program_tooltip program_id='2078457' first='Team' last='Durant']</strong></p>
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<p>It was splitting hairs between Lamothe and Carrington for No. 2 and No. 3. Both have strong arguments, but we ultimately elected to keep the rankings the same and leave Lamothe at two. The 6-foot-4 combo guard who is committed to play at Maryland had his ups-and-downs this summer while playing a key role in [program_tooltip program_id='2078457' first='Team' last='Durant'] reaching the semifinals of Peach Jam. Lamothe makes outside shots at a good clip, has great feel as a passer and will pair with Carrington in the St. Frances backcourt with lofty expecations</p>
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<p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>3. [player_tooltip player_id='1114066' first='Carlton' last='Carrington'] | St. Frances/[program_tooltip program_id='2076999' first='Team' last='Melo']</strong></p>
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<p>Carrington really impressed me at Will Barton Elite Camp in his play as a primary ball-handler. Carrington, who will play for head coach Jeff Capel at Pittsburgh next season, is one of the most fundamentally sound players locally. He uses his dribble for profit, plays with great pace/balance and understands how to read defenses effectively. I expect Carrington to have some explosive scoring performances and show his ability to rebound from the guard position this season to help with the lack of true size on St. Frances' roster.</p>
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<p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>4. [player_tooltip player_id='957020' first='Mike' last='Williams'] | Bishop Walsh/[program_tooltip program_id='2077005' first='Team' last='Thrill']</strong></p>
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<p>Williams received a well deserved bump from No. 9 to No. 4 after a tremendous summer where he helped lead [program_tooltip program_id='2077005' first='Team' last='Thrill'] to the UAA 17U championship. He's a two-way guard who improved as a shooting threat from off the catch and off the dribble from three. Williams has always been an impact as a slasher, but polishing on his shot from three should open up more driving opportunities for himself this year at Bishop Walsh. Williams recently announced where he will take his visits in the fall. Officials: Clemson, Syracuse, Wake Forest, DePaul, LSU. Unofficial: VCU.</p>
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<p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>5. [player_tooltip player_id='1573203' first='Kyron' last='Henderson'] | Rock Creek Christian</strong></p>
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<p>Henderson moved to the area from Texas and will attend Rock Creek Christian to play under head coach Trevor Brown. Henderson blew me away at Will Baron Elite Camp where he showcased great versatility, toughness and a willingness to compete to go with his 6-foot-7 linebacker-like frame. He finished far and away with the most dunks and tries to take the rim off whenever he has a clean opportunity. Henderson stepped outside and buried a few three's with good confidence, defended in a variety of situations effectively and pursued rebounds with purpose.</p>
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<p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>6. [player_tooltip player_id='957026' first='Malik' last='Mack'] | St. John's (DC)/[program_tooltip program_id='2077004' first='Team' last='Takeover']</strong></p>
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<p>Mack was steady throughout the summer as he had strong showings at DC Live in June and translated it with hitting big shots late it games for [program_tooltip program_id='2077004' first='Team' last='Takeover'] in July. The 6-foot southpaw is comfortable playing in high-pressure situations where he's adept to making sound plays that contribute to winning. Mack and 2024 [player_tooltip player_id='1089572' first='Daquan' last='Davis'] will pair to form one of the stronger backcourt duos in the WCAC.</p>
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<p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>7. [player_tooltip player_id='957022' first='Cam' last='Gillus'] | Sidwell Friends</strong></p>
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<p>Our support of Gillus has been well documented throughout the summer despite him not suiting up for AAU. Simply put, he's a 5-foot-10 floor general that knows how to orchestrate his team to wins. Gillus can control the pace depending on what the given game is calling for. He understands how to attack driving lanes in order to create for others and can get to his spots in limited dribbles with a dependable mid-range shot. He's a prideful defender and has the leadership qualities needed to command the floor and his team. Sidwell boasts another talented roster this season with a slew of underclassmen who will benefit greatly from the mentorship that Gillus offers. </p>
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<p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>8. [player_tooltip player_id='1219879' first='Tyler' last='Perkins'] | Landon/[program_tooltip program_id='2077004' first='Team' last='Takeover'] National</strong></p>
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<p>Perkins is a guy that we covered thoroughly through the summer and for good reason. The 6-foot-4 lead guard was phenomenal for Landon at Maryland team camp and throughout DMV Live. He was just as productive playing with [program_tooltip program_id='2077004' first='Team' last='Takeover'] National where he cemented himself as a priority for LM-MM programs. Perkins is set to take a handful of visits over the next month and whoever is lucky enough to earn his commitment will get a three-level scorer who plays extremely hard on both ends.</p>
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<p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>9. [player_tooltip player_id='957030' first='Jeannot' last='Basima'] | John Carroll/Global Squad</strong></p>
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<p>Yale and Columbia refused to let Basima out of their site this spring and it resulted in Yale and HC James Jones receiving his verbal commitment. Basima has built a resume since entering the high school scene as a versatile, rugged defender who can match up against 1-4 positions comfortably at the high school level. He's an elite slasher who refuses to take his foot off the gas until he's scoring at the rim. While his jumper remains a work in progress, Basima will be leaned on to do a bulk of the scoring for John Carroll this season. </p>
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<p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>10.[player_tooltip player_id='1049863' first='Ace' last='Valentine'] | Mount St. Joe/Mid-Atlantic Select</strong></p>
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<p>Valentine capped his summer with a commitment to UMBC and head coach Jim Ferry. Valentine was instrumental in the Gaels capturing both league championships and proved his worth throughout the spring and summer with Mid-Atlantic Select as a guy who can scored when called upon, make good decisions as the primary ball-handler and wear his opponent down with consistent pressure defensively. Similar to many of the guys included on this list, Valentine will have an increased role from his junior season and along with [player_tooltip player_id='957018' first='Amani' last='Hansberry'] and [player_tooltip player_id='957059' first='Austin' last='Abrams'] (No. 11 ranked player), the three will be expected to step up to defend their league titles as senior leaders.</p>
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The 2023 player rankings update released earlier today and as usual, we'll have a flow of content surrounding the update breaking down different positions and themes. We'll start off with a very quick look into who made the top 10.
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