Updated 2024 Player Rankings: Observations

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Prep Hoops MD/DC updated the 2024 player rankings today and with that comes new headlines and observations of how they shook out. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong><em>A New No. 1?</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>St. John's (DC) and Team Takeover forward [player_tooltip player_id='1127309' first='Donavan' last='Freeman'] has been awarded the top spot in our rankings. We felt that this was deserved considering his dominance at both ends for the Cadets this winter as he anchored them to a WCAC title. So far this spring with a loaded Takeover squad, Freeman's value continues to shine. If you follow the sport closely, you know that players don't typically put up the same number as they do during their high school season as they do on a challenging circuit such as the EYBL. Couple that with the fact that Takeover produces a roster full of Division I prospects every year and what usually takes place is a balanced box score. Taking that into consideration, Freeman is still posting 9.9 points and 5.5 rebounds per game while leading the team with 13 blocks. Freeman is set to make his college decision this Thursday as he'll decide between Syracuse, Alabama, Iowa, Texas and Georgia Tech.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/CapitolHoops/status/1606161239414951936?s=20","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/CapitolHoops/status/1606161239414951936?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong><em>Other Changes Within the Top 10</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sidwell Friends/Team Takeover wing [player_tooltip player_id='1127314' first='Caleb' last='Williams'] is another prospect who has benefitted both off of his efficiency and winning ways this winter and spring. The 6'7 lefty helped lead Sidwell to the MAC, DCSAA and the State Championship Invitational titles. Williams is a shot-maker from three, a guy who plays to his own pace and a smart decision-maker with the ball. His style of play and abilities translate well at the next level, which is why programs like Villanova, Michigan, Syracuse, Notre Dame, Providence, Indiana and Michigan are all vying for his services. Williams lands at No. 2 in our rankings.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bullis/New World wing [player_tooltip player_id='1164818' first='Caden' last='Diggs'] received a slight bump within the top 10. The 6'7 wing is off to a strong spring on the 3SSB circuit averaging over 14 points and showcasing an improved shot from the mid-range. Diggs has always been known for his explosive above the rim finishes, but if he continues to prove himself as a shot-creator off the bounce, his stock will continue to rise quickly. He now sits at No. 7 in the talented 2024 local class.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Mount St. Joe/Team Melo forward [player_tooltip player_id='1280947' first='Tyonne' last='Farrell'] breaks into our top 10 after a productive junior campaign for the BCL champion Gaels. The 6'6 forward gained his reputation as a junkyard dog from his sophomore season bringing physical play inside to become a presence on the glass and a finisher through contact on drives. This past season Farrell took on a bigger role forming one of the best frontcourt duos in the DMV next to [player_tooltip player_id='957018' first='Amani' last='Hansberry']. Farrell displayed improved polish in his overall skill set by making more plays off the bounce and knocking down transition three's all while remaining a threat to punish the rim whenever he's in the vicinity. He's coming off his best game yet this spring with Melo as he poured in 26 points on 9-of-12 shooting in a win over TSF. Farrell rounds out at No. 10.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong><em>Risers to Watch</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1225260' first='Scottie' last='Hubbard'] is a guy who I thought ended the high school season with St. Andrew's in strong fashion. Hubbard is a dynamic player at 6'6 with smooth guard skills. He finishes with craft and with either hand at the rim, can make the defender pay for leaving him with space from deep and make sound reads in ball screens. His size and athleticism make for a switchable defender and for me, a prospect to watch moving forward. Hubbard, who plays for Truth AAU, ranks No. 25.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/DustinWoody1/status/1654986255829020673?s=20","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/DustinWoody1/status/1654986255829020673?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1759620' first='Elwyne' last='Wordlaw'] steered the ship for a dominant Frederick High School team this winter and is picking up where he left off in AAU with Global Squad. He's a shifty guard who can play on or off the ball. He can fill the role of an initiator as the primary playmaker where he can get into the paint with regularity or knock down shots (particularly from the corner) when asked to play more of an off-ball role. With sustained production this spring and summer, Wordlaw has the chance to move up even more than he did in this recent update as he currently sits at No. 43 overall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/Elwyne10/status/1653471243805310982?s=20","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/Elwyne10/status/1653471243805310982?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed -->