Junior Player Rankings: Newcomers

Gregg Rosenberg March 24, 2023 @ 11:22 AM

With 201 players, there are bound to be players that saw their rankings drop, but also players that saw their stock rise.    There were 51 new players and here are some of the standout newcomers.   <h2>Here are 10 newcomers for this HS season: (All fall in the top-55) </h2>   [player_tooltip player_id='1119247' first='Jamari' last='Phillips'] AZ Compass Prep   The top player in the class moved in very late in the season, which is just in time to participate in the Geico Nationals. He is a three level scorer who makes it look easy in stretches. His range, build, frame, passing and natural scoring made him a high level target. He is heading to Arizona next year.   [player_tooltip player_id='1634726' first='Makhan' last='Diouf'] Bella Vista Prep   One of the longest and most fluid players in the state. He has elite size for position and will defend nearly all positions. He blocks shots, plays the passing lanes and grabs rebounds at a good clip. He handles it well for a forward and can make a play plus shoot it from the perimeter.   [player_tooltip player_id='1367577' first='Luke' last='Bamgboye'] Bella Vista Prep   A top of the food chain shot blocker. He also grabs rebounds at its highest point. He has a polished hook shot and his mid-range jumper is almost automatic during stretches in games. He plays above the rim and he looks better it seems by the month.   [player_tooltip player_id='1052572' first='Terrence' last='Hill Jr'] AZ Compass Prep   A pure point guard is another throwback that the Dragons have at their school. He can thread the needle and has a very tight handle and good speed with the ball. He is hard to speed up and he can burst into the lane when needed. He has a pretty stroke from the three point line as well.   [player_tooltip player_id='1634735' first='Emmanuel' last='Stephen'] Dream City Christian   One of the better physiques you will find in the state. He runs well from end to end and is a true rim runner. He gobbles up all rebounds and blocks shots. He has a big time motor and sets strong picks. Most of his points are point blank dunks and put backs.   [player_tooltip player_id='1562854' first='Klairus' last='Amir'] Dream City Christian International   A long and fluid wing forward with great size. He can score it from mid to the three point line and can throw it down on the break. He uses his size to rebound in his area and will defend multiple positions.   [player_tooltip player_id='1171749' first='JJ' last='Funk'] Skyline Prep   A power forward with a huge motor. He rebounds the ball in and out of his area, and despite being a little undersized, he is comfortable with defending bigger post players. The Idaho native scores on put backs and can hit the three plus can dunk it easily.   [player_tooltip player_id='1674458' first='Travis' last='Vasquez'] Deer Valley (Pictured)   One of the breakout players of the 4A playoffs. Their six man handles the rock well and will play the role of a lead guard. He can make shots from all levels and he can create his own off the dribble or catch and shoot from the perimeter. His passing skills were impressive down the stretch.   [player_tooltip player_id='1594604' first='Keyan' last='Murphy'] Centennial   Another six man will be one of the top breakout candidates with heavier playing time next season. He has flawless ball rotation on his jumpers from mid to the three point line and can straight line drive to the basket. His size and length for position help him on the defensive side of the court.   [player_tooltip player_id='1757699' first='Paris' last='Strozier Jr'] Thunderbird   One of the more unique players I discovered this season. He isn't your typical scoring guard but an unselfish nature type of lead guard. He also will defend four positions for the Titans and get downhill well. He is a capable three point shooter but prefers to attack.

With 201 players, there are bound to be players that saw their rankings drop, but also players that saw their stock rise.