2024 Rankings EXPLAINED: 11-20
For the full updated Class of 2024 rankings, go here. Rankings. They spike interest. They create happy social media posts for prospects who see it as a benchmark to show off the progress in their development. They can also lead…
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Continue ReadingRankings. They spike interest. They create happy social media posts for prospects who see it as a benchmark to show off the progress in their development. They can also lead to increased grumbling on social media due to disagreements.
Rankings are a lot of things, but one thing I think they are NOT is definitive. Which is where my viewpoint of the rankings detours from most people. I understand that because of the number next to the name, they come across as definitive!
A lot of the the negative reactions to the rankings are along the lines of “How can the 26th ranked played be higher than 33rd?” “I’m sure that Johnny who’s ranked 23rd is a top 15 player. Why is he so low?” Etc. Etc.
Rankings shouldn’t be viewed as a stone ledger but a chalkboard that is often written on and changed for multiple reasons. (Are there still chalkboards in classrooms or are there only “smart” boards that malfunction every 3rd class?)
Here’s a couple hypothetical scenarios that hopefully provides context for my viewpoint regarding the flexibility of the rankings.
North Central college may love the 22nd ranked player in a class because they want a certain type of forward prospect with athletic upside. Which means they would be a lot less likely to recruit an old school post prospect that is ranked 14th.
Midwest Southern, Northeastern City, and Metro-Country colleges are already set at point guard. Meaning that while the PG that is ranked 12th is producing at a higher level than other prospects, he’s not currently recruitable for those three programs who like him but they don’t have a need for a point guard where those programs are with their roster construction.
That doesn’t mean the 12th ranked prospect is over ranked because colleges aren’t interested in him. Or that the 22nd and 14th should be flipped because of the recruiting board of one school. Often these players are similar levels of prospect and these scenarios are an attempt to show the versatility of players often in the same tier of the rankings.
Before getting into the player by player breakdown for the 11th through 20th ranked prospects, let’s start with a real life example, Titus Miller Titus Miller 6'6" | SF Catoosa | 2024 State OK . Miller has jumped up to the 19th spot in the rankings from 29th. A strong jump upward, but not as high as I would’ve guessed when initially building the rankings. The improvements made to his game made him look like a top 15 type prospect. But by being ranked 19th, he appears a good step behind his summer ball teammate Darian Grant Darian Grant 6'6" | SF Moore | 2024 State OK , who checks in at the 14th spot. I think the difference in projecting college level success for the two players is closer to a coin flip than the 5 spots would indicate. And in a similar vein, I could fully see why college programs would pick Miller and Grant, two athletic wing-forward prospects with great traits for modern college basketball over Erik Madrid Erik Madrid 7'1" | C Union | 2024 State OK , an old school 7 foot tall space eater who is ranked 13th. That is an example of the flexibility that I often think is missing with rankings and these prospects would often be better placed in tiers, but “Tiers” wouldn’t capture the eye near as much as rankings.
Another framing note; usually when writing scouting reports and other analysis for this site, I prefer to use a third person or similar detached writing style that is focused on presenting the observations/information and letting people take what they want from it. I switched it up for this article, because the outside impression I get is that the rankings are deeply personal for prospects, parents and the other people who make up the Oklahoma grassroots ecosystem. So this is an attempt to switch it up and see if that helps with providing clarity to the opinions presented.
Also, when projecting to the next level, I tend to tie break toward taller post players or athletic traits. Because those are aspects college coaches often prioritize and those prospects usually have the most room to grow. In that case, those leanings impact my ordering of prospects 11-20. Which these are all players to me that grade out as players who can earn full scholarships at the next level.
Am I always right? Certainly not. Am I always wrong? I hope not. But the goal of this job is to present strong anaylsis, that highlight, promote, critique and hopefully help prospects along their journey to the next level. Which means some opinions and analysis that are shared won’t always be aligned with other people. Because this prospect evaluating process involves painting with shades of gray, not black and white.
Previously Ranked: 14thrnAfter a productive spring and summer with Team Trae Young , Cason is balancing interest from regional D2 programs and high academic D1 programs (West Point and Penn). He rose in the rankings when considering the paths to long term success for prospects. At 6 foot 10, with a frame that looks built to put on good weight, along with good offensive touch and feel, Cason looks like one of the better bets to reach the next level and thrive.
Previously Ranked: 10thrnIf I had to pick a player that I could be the most wrong on in these current rankings, it would be Mott. He has the physical toolset to out play his current spot of 11th, and make me look a fool for having him outside the top 10. There aren’t often players of his size and wingspan with the mobility to be a terror on the defensive end.
After coming up short in the 5A title game last year, Mott and his Titan teammates will be chasing their second Gold Ball in four years. If the physical and gifted big man produces like he’s capable of, he’ll be higher in the next rankings. And more importantly the college offers will flow.
Highlights
Previously Ranked: 17thrnContinuing the theme of post prospects who fill the important role of verticality, Madrid is one of the most improved players over the last year, as he consistently proved his space eating size on the defensive end and soft touch offensively can produce on the national level. He’s in a difficult spot from a recruiting standpoint, as most coaches want to play fast and Madrid will never be confused as a transition rim runner.
To give further context on the difficulties of finding the right fit for the big man, at a July Live Period event when speaking to a long time college assistant coach now at the low major level, he mentioned that he liked Madrid. But the Union big didn’t fit their system or needs. I asked the follow up “how many teams in your conference have a post player like him?” After a pause he responded with “One”. The opportunities for old school posts has diminished in the last decade.
This past July, Madrid was offered by local OBU. Hopefully more offers are on the way as he gears up to be an unstoppable force around the rim for Union this winter.
Highlights
Previously Ranked: 11th rnGrant parlayed a strong spring and summer into college interest, then locked in a chance to play the next level at Harding University in Arkansas. During Moore’s run to the Class 6A Quarterfinals he at times looked unstoppable off the dribble. Which is strong evidence for his potential to keep growing as he went from a defensive specialist type as a sophomore to a strong offensive weapon, who made big plays in the clutch. He’ll be one of the top players in Class 6A this year with Moore.
Previously Ranked:13thrnRanking small town prospects can be tough due to the lack of in person viewings. I’ve been able to see Wilkerson a handful of times from AAU and a playoff match up last February. With his size and offensive skillset, he’s a fun fit for modern basketball as a face up/stretch forward type. He at times has a herky-jerky type driving style that seems to benefit him as it keeps the defense off balance. After finding some production success with Pro Skills in EYBL play earlier this year, Wilkerson has proven that his hardhat mentality on the glass and scoring ability can translate to the next level.
Previously Ranked: 20thrnOver the last six months, Snow was one of the most consistent grassroots players in the region. Life is often hard for guards under 6 foot, but the fittingly named Snow has only ever produced. His last name is fitting due to his cool demeanor on the court. He looks unflappable in every aspect of the game, with great decision making/vision, a variety of “giant killer” finishes and icy shooting. The consistency is what makes him look like an outlier as a smaller guard who will find success at the next level.
After averaging 19 a game for Yukon as a junior, Snow will be looking to translate his production into more wins for the Millers.
Previously Ranked: 19thrnAfter entering high school as a volume type scorer, Valentine appeared to have changed his game this past season. The off the dribble scoring and perimeter shooting is still there, but there’s improved defensive tendencies. When watching the Yellowjacket as a freshman or sophomore, everything seemed scoring focused. But his approach as a junior involved letting the game come to him more, allowing defensive energy to be as much of a tonesetter as hunting for threes. This ultimately paid off in the overtime of the 6A quarterfinals he drilled a game tying three, then seconds left jumped a passing lane and won it at the buzzer with a layup.
After a midseason injury derailed some of his junior season, Valentine is one of the players I’m most looking forward to seeing in the upcoming months. Because it feels like there’s another level that he can reach as Choctaw chases a Gold Ball.
Highlights
Previously Ranked: 12thrnConstant started the spring on fire with Drive Nation in EYBL play and has proven his bonafides as one of the top shooters in Oklahoma. He mixes that floor stretching ability with a lot of the foundations of defensive principles that are often found in Putnam City West guard. The Patriot is a good example of the volatile nature of rankings, because even though he dropped he still a strong prospect with a next level trait in shooting. He remains in the mix as one of the better available senior prospects, with the ability to be more if he continues to expand his overall skillset, including athletic abilities.
Constant has a recent offer from Harding University and is set for a strong senior campaign for one of the expected contenders in Class 6A.
Previously Ranked: 29th rnAs covered from earlier in this article, Miller is one of the biggest winners from this spring and summer. After being a promising prospect in the winter, he now plays with more confidence and strength. He “plays to size” now, as before it felt like he would only show off his next level athleticism when given a clear runway to dunk or other easy situations. Now instead of waiting for those opportunities to happen, he makes it happen with aggressive play on defense and in transition. All while still being a quality shooter. Miller is a popular name of in state and regional D2 programs.
Highlights
Previously Ranked: 20th rnPowell is a great longterm bet due to his combination of next level athleticism and motor. He has no back down to his game and plays with a ferocity that allows him to finish stronger than his size. This past high school season he was at his best from 15 feet and in. He has a good mid-range game, is a strong driver and active on the offensive glass. The promising signs for his longterm potential come from watching him this summer where he showcased improved playmaking instincts and more consistent shooting from beyond the arc.
A popular name for regional D2 programs, Powell holds an offer from Missouri Southern State. And he will be looking to take his Patriots back to OKC for the Class 3A State Tournament this winter.