2023 Rankings Risers: Skyrocketing Seniors
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These are the guys who have ended the season on a high, continuing to put in the time and showing the work has paid dividends. It’s time to recognize some of the biggest rising seniors in the 2023 rankings and…
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Continue ReadingThese are the guys who have ended the season on a high, continuing to put in the time and showing the work has paid dividends. It’s time to recognize some of the biggest rising seniors in the 2023 rankings and why they have been so impressive in their final high school seasons.
Previous Rank: 18rnThe explosive forward took a big leap forward this season, emerging as a leader and one of the top two-way playmakers in the state. His defensive anticipation and athleticism are D1 caliber, and he has made improvements across the other areas of his game this year to elevate his status as a prospect. His passing is vastly overlooked, and he has the promise to continue to develop the jumper into a bigger weapon.
Previous Rank: 40rnYoung was flying under the radar for various reasons, but he quickly climbed the rankings as he displayed high-level athleticism and versatility on both ends of the floor. He’s an impact player at the rim but also showed some ability to attack from the perimeter with the shot and the dribble, as well as defending the perimeter against smaller, quicker players.
Previous Rank: 55rnPleasant has long had the size and strength to be an overpowering offensive threat, but this season he seemed to find another level of consistency with his jumper, and it vastly improved his overall game and highlighted a lot of his shot creation skills. He was the main threat in the halfcourt for Federal Way on their run to a third-place finish at the state tournament.
Previous Rank: 57rnFenz is a technically sound, big-bodied scorer who can score from all levels. His size and strength help him get off tightly defended shots from the mid-range and behind the arc, while also fending off defenders at the rim. But it’s his footwork that helps him get the defense off balance and create space on the perimeter, or step through traffic on his way to the paint.
Highlights
Previous Rank: 62rnEvanson has an intriguing pairing of size and shooting prowess but this season he showed off a more well-rounded game, which seemed to be in large part due to added strength and quickness. He’s a long guard at 6-foot-5 and was able to block a lot of shots either right at the rim or on the run, and his added strength helped him create more space off of the dribble for his smooth jumper which he hit at a higher rate from all over.
Previous Rank: 66rnThis guy stepped up big for a West Seattle team that made it out of the Metro League to the regional round at state. Holliman is a versatile player who can succeed in a variety of roles. This season that role was to run the show from the point, and score more than he had before. He’s also a strong defender who can pick up multiple positions, rebounds well, and has sneaky athleticism.
Highlights
Previous Rank: 97rnBarnes was the senior leading one of the most surprising teams of the year in Nathan Hale. He’s a strong and sound guard who is a phenomenal rebounder for his position which requires a good motor and quick reactions. He can sprinkle in some outside shots, but his strength is from the mid-range and in, showing good touch around the paint and a quick second jump on the offensive glass. He was defensive player of the year in the Metro Sound and shows a lot of potential on that end of the floor.
Previous Rank: 95rnSykes was kind of caught in between being a wing and a post, having the athleticism to succeed from the wings, but maybe lacking the shooting consistency and handle to really be a strong threat out there. He has completely squashed those concerns this season, improving his outside shot and rounding out his game while continuing to build on his strengths as a guy who will crash the boards and be a big threat in transition. He has a lot more potential to crack, even with the strides he made this season.
Highlights
Previous Rank: 91rnJensen just has an ability to sink shots you think he has no business even getting off. He is one of the top shooters in his class and really requires defenders to pay attention and stay close. He doesn’t just do it from the arc either, he’s one of the best shooters from the foul line as well, and has enough size and strength to help out defensively too.
Previous Rank: 102rnThe Arlington forward opened some eyes at the state tournament with his sneaky athleticism and strong finishes at the cup. He’s a combo forward who has great ball skills, can play from the outside, and is an excellent rebounder who can bump with the big guys inside. He adds tremendous value to any lineup and has been trending up all season, helping the Eagles to a great season along the way.
Previous Rank: 117rnJohnson perfectly embodies the style of play his Mariner team wants. He hustles for every ball, outrebounds bigger players (and there’s a lot of them), plays tenacious defense, and finds ways to score going downhill. He’s going to be a plus for any team just off of his hustle and motor alone, but Johnson also has some potential to add scoring, going for over 20 points a game this season.
Highlights
Previous Rank: WLrnMurphy just cracked our final rankings, and it is because of the big man’s growing confidence on the offensive end this year. He looks to be more sure of himself, taking it straight at smaller players on the block, making decisive moves and not letting smaller guys push him off his spots. He’s a big body and when he plays with that understanding he is a real asset in the paint, and can even step out to hit the corner three at times.