Updated 2023 Rankings: Quick-Hitting Observations

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Yesterday we released our updated 2023 player rankings for what will likely be the last time before the final rankings release sometime after the conclusion of the high school season. There were a fair share of changes in the release and for this article, we'll take a look at some quick-hitting observations and questions surround the rankings.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1496898,"sizeSlug":"medium","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-medium"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/06/IMG_5079.jpeg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/06/IMG_5079.jpeg?w=300" alt="" class="wp-image-1496898" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Is No. 1 a lock?</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Illinois commit [player_tooltip player_id='957018' first='Amani' last='Hansberry'] has had a chokehold on the top spot of the 2023 rankings since they began. Will he remain at the top as his senior year comes to a close? St. Frances guard [player_tooltip player_id='1114066' first='Carlton' last='Carrington'], the No. 2 ranked prospect, may have something to say about that. Now standing 6'5, Carrington has put together a stellar season and has scored from multiple levels with efficiency. Whether or not a defender is in his space, Carrington can rise over top and get into his shot uninterrupted with his elevation and to gain a clear look at the rim. Prior to the season, the Pittsburgh commit was expected to carry much of the offensive scoring load and he has over exceeded expectations while proving there are plenty of more aspects to his game that can be unlocked going forward.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1712590,"sizeSlug":"medium","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-medium"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/12/IMG-1272.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/12/IMG-1272.jpg?w=300" alt="" class="wp-image-1712590" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Alexander emerges as best senior available</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As we approach the back end of the regular season in the coming weeks, more seniors will begin to make their college decisions. As of right now, [player_tooltip player_id='1219865' first='Dionte' last='Alexander'] holds the top spot in our rankings in regards to being the best available. The 6'3 southpaw guard has taken on the primary playmaking role for St. Maria Goretti and as indicated by their 18-2 overall record, I'd say it's going pretty well. His calling card has always been his three-point shooting, but it's his decision-making and play off the dribble that have improved the most this season. Alexander is a solid defender and doesn't hesitate to help his bigs on the glass. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1608602,"sizeSlug":"medium","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-medium"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/09/Ryan-Sabol.jpeg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/09/Ryan-Sabol.jpeg?w=300" alt="" class="wp-image-1608602" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Sabol earns his boost</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Another available senior playing a key role for a great team in MD/DC is [player_tooltip player_id='1114029' first='Ryan' last='Sabol']. The 6'2 guard can make his defender pay for any slight space given off the catch, but he isn't limited to shooting in this fashion. He plays with an edge to him and can mix it up off the dribble where he gets to his spot in the mid range for pull-ups. He also has some sneaky athleticism that defenders often times underestimate. Gonzaga is considered a top 25 team in the country and for good reason. Sabol plays a big role in their success by helping form a loaded backcourt next to 2025 points guard [player_tooltip player_id='1370498' first='Nykolas' last='Lewis']. His production and continued overall improvement earned him the No. 36 slot in our rankings, which means he jumped nearly 40 spots from the previous update.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1682205,"sizeSlug":"medium","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-medium"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/12/IMG-1012-scaled.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/12/IMG-1012-scaled.jpg?w=300" alt="" class="wp-image-1682205" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Gray makes his debut</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We got wind of [player_tooltip player_id='1424650' first='Rejuan' last='Gray'] last summer, but didn't see him as consistently as we wanted to in order to confidently place him in our rankings. We spent plenty of time throughout the fall and winter getting our eyes on him and it didn't take long to see the upside that he can offer as a budding 6'6 wing prospect. That's why he warranted the No. 26 spot in our update. Currently sidelined with an injury, Gray put together memorable performances thanks to his shot creativity, his length that disrupts shots around the rim and his athleticism in the open floor. Another available senior for Takoma Academy, Gray could be a steal for a program who has the patience to work with a player who comes equipped with valuable tools.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->