2024 Rankings: Top Backcourt Stock Risers
In this article:
There were a handful of players making big leaps in this update to the 2024 class rankings. These are some of the guards making big climbs in the ranks who have even more potential in future updates. These are guys…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingThere were a handful of players making big leaps in this update to the 2024 class rankings. These are some of the guards making big climbs in the ranks who have even more potential in future updates. These are guys that are beginning to make pushes to be some of the top players in their class and building foundations for next season as well.
Harris is a stock riser because of his big-play ability and his combination of length and burst at the guard spot. He’s a factor on the boards, disrupts offensive sets with his reach, and gets to the rim to finish high over the defense. At times his jumper has looked like a real weapon from just about any spot on the floor, but the consistency with his jump shot is the missing key to see him rise even higher. He already stands out among a talented group of guards at Kentridge but has a ton more potential to reach.
Davies has been one of the biggest risers in the early season, scoring the ball at a high clip and showing a killer attitude. I love what I’ve seen from Davies so far, shooting fireballs from long-range and attacking the hoop with strength, going right at defenders. He’s a big rebounder from the wings too and could end up leading the Vikings in scoring this season if he continues at this rate. Physically, he is starting to really develop as a prospect and has the frame to be an incredibly strong guard.
Williams has plenty of weapons around him at North Central, and as they all continue to develop into high-caliber players Williams will be the one distributing touches. He’s a super athlete at the point and puts pressure on defenses with his slashing ability. He can finish high at the rim and creates momentum plays with his defensive acumen. There is a lot of growing still going on with the Wolfpack’s roster and they should only get better with time, Williams included.
Najera is quietly one of the better ballhandlers in his class. He keeps it close, can change direction in an instant, and has great burst in tight spaces. He’s a more than capable scorer from inside and out but his main focus is running the show and attracting attention to set up easy looks for teammates. We should get to see him on the big stage this season with Shorecrest.
Swanson moved up in this edition of the rankings in part because even when he’s not having his best game, he stands out miles above the competition. Some would say he should, given he plays in 2B, but Swanson is also a D1 baseball commit for Oregon State, and it is clear on the court he is a high-level athlete. He has deep range with the jumper, draws fouls with regularity, and has great feel for playmaking off of drives.
Sonntag is a quiet riser. Although he was an all-league player last season, he doesn’t play a flashy game and doesn’t do a lot that wow’s you on the court, except for his outstanding consistency. Consistency doesn’t necessarily grab the headlines, but it does leave an impression on opposing coaches who know each time out they have to gameplan for Sonntag. He’s able to do a lot of little things on the court but his biggest asset could be his shooting. He’s expanded his range this season and always seems to have that solid foundation that great shooters have.