Deep Dive Stock-Risers (Part One)

Ryan Morgan July 31, 2023 @ 07:45 PM

In the <a href="https://prephoops.com/2023/07/players-im-loving-this-summer-24-class-part-two/">Players I'm Loving this Summer</a> series, I mentioned a bunch of kids that caught my eye as high-talent kids making big improvements. Since then, I've done a few more stock-riser articles from the summer, but this one digs a little deeper to highlight the kids further down the rankings or even in the watch list, to show who has been putting in the work this AAU season. So, here are six names to know before the high school season starts.   [player_tooltip player_id='1957667' first='Talan' last='Yearout'] Raymond '24   Here is a big-body forward that isn't afraid to do the dirty work. He's a tireless worker that will be physical, hustle for every ball, and be ready when called on. Over the summer, Yearout improved his footwork inside, efficiency from the free throw line and mid-range, as well as his ability to move his feet on the defensive end.   [player_tooltip player_id='1485680' first='Liam' last='Sheeran'] North Thurston '25   Sheeran was really impressive pretty much every time I got to see him this spring and summer. He's a super quick guard that can make some things happen with the dribble, finds lanes in transition and goes, and can sprinkle in some outside shots as well. He's not the strongest kid yet, which can hurt his ability to finish through contact, but he's a determined player who can be a very effective playmaker.   [player_tooltip player_id='1612216' first='Carsen' last='Lovett'] Puyallup '24   The Puyallup forward has really improved his stroke from 3-point range and looks a lot more comfortable and calm with the ball now. He had the ability to get hot from distance last season but lacked the consistency you want from a guy who can be that frontcourt floor-spacer. He seems to have found a new gear on offense and should be a key guy for a Puyallup team ready to do some things this winter.   [player_tooltip player_id='1978875' first='Atticus' last='Boba'] Skyline '24   The guard/forward out of Skyline is a strong player who can make a living in the mid-range, knock in his fair share from 3-point, and really contribute on the glass. It's all about his strength and balance which allow him to play a controlled, yet physical game. I'm expecting a pretty decent uptick in scoring from him this year as Skyline will have a relatively new-looking team this year.   [player_tooltip player_id='1587989' first='Lonnie' last='Brown Jr.'] RA Long '24   Brown has been a nice shooter down in Longview for the past couple of seasons but now he'll get more opportunities to show his complete game. He looks a lot stronger and more built than last season which should help him attack the rim more, even though I expect him to still play an outside-in game.   [player_tooltip player_id='1984502' first='Laolu' last='Ajasin'] Tahoma '25   This guy was a new find for me this spring and he's continued to play well and catch my eye as the summer season came and went. He doesn't try to do too much, plays to his strengths, and quietly helps out his team in some little, and some big ways. He has a pretty good reach and can get tips defensively, handles the ball decently well, and can score one-on-one if needed. I think he'll be a guy that does a little bit of everything for Tahoma this season as a key guy off their bench.

In the Players I'm Loving this Summer series, I mentioned a bunch of kids that caught my eye as high-talent kids making big improvements. Since then, I've done a few more stock-riser articles from the summer, but this one digs a little deeper to highlight the kids further down the rankings or even in the watch list, to show who has been putting in the work this AAU season. So, here are six names to know before the high school season starts.