Top stock risers from 2024 Rankings Update
Our 2024 rankings update came after busy live period weekends in both June and July since our previous update. In this article we’ll look at the top ranked prospects who have seen their ranking increase after strong performances in the…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingOur 2024 rankings update came after busy live period weekends in both June and July since our previous update. In this article we’ll look at the top ranked prospects who have seen their ranking increase after strong performances in the summer months.
Jones has always been a high upside forward with a lot of upside on the back end, well he’s starting to put that upside together and has had a really strong summer with both Garfield Heights and Wildcat Select. Moves his feet really well for his height and has the length to contest shots at the rim, after a year or two in a college weight room you could see Jones with all defensive team potential with his skillset. Developing as a shooter, Jones isn’t somebody you currently need to run off the line but he will hit enough from the perimeter to make you respect him from out there. Every time I watch Jones after a couple months he seems to have taken a new jump in his game, I believe he has all conference potential in the MAC.
After not playing on the grassroots circuit at the 16 U level, I was really impressed with how Norris game translated well to the 17 U level. Impacting winning in a variety of ways, Norris is tough and will rebound, defend and make the extra pass. These skills will allow Norris to get on the floor early and help contribute at the college level, something his two older brothers have already done as both have won NCAA Tournament games at their respective Division I programs. Norris picked up offers from Lipscomb and Winthrop with a strong July showing with Midwest Basketball Club 3SSB and already held three offers from Illinois State, Wright State and Ball State prior to this summer. Look for Norris to continue to impact winning this winter as the Jags of Hilliard Bradley are one of the top projected teams in Ohio.
Mahaffey was one of the biggest risers this summer as he’s really developed into a late bloomer for Moeller. The younger brother of former Penn State and current Ohio State wing Evan Mahaffey, Eric has started to really pick up some strong college interest. Akron is currently his only offer, but he’s being monitored by lots of low to mid major programs. After scoring 3.8 PPG as a Junior, expect Mahaffey to play a big role for the Crusaders this winter. An excellent athlete and defender from the wing position, Mahaffey has taken strides as a shooter and scorer this summer but that will still be complimentary to the value he brings as a defender. I also think Mahaffey understands how to move the ball and displays good feel when attacking off the dribble. Look for Mahaffey to be one of the most improved players in SW Ohio this winter.
The final week that Division I coaches could be on the road evaluating prospects this summer was in Memphis at the NCAA Basketball Academy. That was Moore’s best showing to date, as the forward/center was dominating in the paint and showing his skill level in a showcase setting with new teammates. Moore was already a priority for regional Division II programs and that weekend helped him pick up his first Division I offer from USC Upstate. Still expect the Division II programs that have been involved for a while to make a push to sign Moore, as he’ll likely receive more Division II and Low Major interest before he makes his college choice.
The third prospect in this article with an older brother playing Division I basketball, (Norris with two, Mahaffey with one and Njie with two) Baboucarr had a strong summer for Centerville, who have a new look team. A super athletic wing forward who defends and attacks the glass, Njie brings a lot to the table with his athleticism. After strong showings with both Centerville and All Ohio Red this summer, I’m surprised his recruitment hasn’t picked up more steam to this point. Njie might just have to wait a while for the offers to come but sooner or later I expect scholarship programs to take him seriously. If Njie has a big senior season for Centerville with his defensive activity and rebounding ability, along with taking a step as a slasher, I think he’ll have a lot of college options by the time it’s all said and done.