Five new faces in the 2024 rankings

Allen Pettigrew

March 29, 2023 @ 01:08 PM

Florida attracts talent like light attracts a moth. That magnetism helped us expand to 150 ranked prospects. Some local juniors took the leap this season too. Let's break down the games of five newly ranked players.   [player_tooltip player_id='1858970' first='Ethan' last='Lathan'] | Calvary Christian   Lathan plays for a national team anchoring the paint as a 6-11 center. His combination of athleticism and physical tools is drawing high major schools' attention. He's mobile, a solid rim protector, rebounds outside his area, and runs the floor. A good pick-and-roll lob option.   Baraka Okijie | DME Academy   Okijie has been tearing the international scene up for years. Now he's at DME Academy, showcasing athleticism, lead guard skills, and he plays intense defense. He's a great downhill playmaker that can get to the rim and find open teammates when the defense collapse. His floater and midrange pull-up to help him as a potent counter to defense drop coverage.   [player_tooltip player_id='1858972' first='Emin' last='Kara'] | North Broward Prep   A 6'10 big man with international experience that missed the high school season. During international play, he proved that he could rebound against bigger bodies and finish around the rim.   [player_tooltip player_id='1858995' first='Stefan' last='Jimenez'] | Central Pointe Christian Academy   Jimenez's ranking in the 20s is a testament to the depth of the 2024 class. You'll not often find an agile, skilled 6'10 big man that can shoot from three and handle the ball. He's active on the boards and has good footwork on the block.   [player_tooltip player_id='1631264' first='Alex' last='Sessoms'] | McKeel Academy   Sessoms is one of the class's hidden gems. I learned about him during a preseason scrimmage, and he's impressed ever since. The 6'2 guard is spring-loaded and cat-quick. His athleticism makes him a dangerous on and off-ball finisher. He reads the floor well, operates out of the pick and roll, and manipulates defenses with penetration. With all the athletic tools you could ask for, he'll need to prove himself against high level competition to seal his case as a next-level player.

Florida attracts talent like light attracts a moth. That magnetism helped us expand to 150 ranked prospects. Some local juniors took the leap this season too. Let's break down the games of five newly ranked players.