New England’s 2024 Rankings Newcomers

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With our most recent update occurring this week, we feel it's important to highlight some of the newcomers to the New England 2024 rankings.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>While we're here, we're differentiating <em>newcomers</em> <em>to the rankings</em> from <em>newcomers to the region</em>. We'll feature the region's top ranked new faces in an article later this week.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1747654' first='Caleb' last='Middleton'] checks in as the highest ranked newcomer in this update. While the big man from New Hampshire is technically a newcomer to the region, he is a native New Englander that chose to come home for his senior year of high school.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here are other noteable rankings newcomers:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1585151"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Abdullah, a u003cemu003eu003cstrongu003eBoston Universityu003c/strongu003eu003c/emu003e commit, makes his initial appearance in the 2024 rankings at u003cemu003eu003cstrongu003e#35u003c/strongu003eu003c/emu003e. Originally a member of the class of 2023 at Bishop Hendricken (RI), Abdullah is a 6'2u0022 combo-guard that plays with good pace and has a good feel for when to pick his spots. He's a solid shooter with deep range on his jumper. Defensively, his combination of IQ and size/length allows him to guard all three perimeter positions.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["1203948"],"_player_evaluations_1_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"Nimani, who starred at Platt (CT) last year, checks in at u003cemu003eu003cstrongu003e#40u003c/strongu003eu003c/emu003e in these rankings. Originally a member of the class of 2023, Platt, who's committed to u003cemu003eu003cstrongu003eCornellu003c/strongu003eu003c/emu003e has had a terrific start to his post-graduate season. He's long and athletic, and dynamic with the ball in his hands. He can score at all three levels, but has proven to be most effective as a down-hill driver. Defensively, his athleticism stands out as he does a great job of anticipating the next play and jumping passing lanes for easy steals.","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["1205479"],"_player_evaluations_2_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"Wali is another prospect who climbs into the rankings for the first time during his post-graduate year. Another product of Bishop Hendricken (RI), Wali, who checks in at u003cemu003eu003cstrongu003e#57u003c/strongu003eu003c/emu003e, will continue his playing career at u003cemu003eu003cstrongu003eThe Citadelu003c/strongu003eu003c/emu003e. A combo-guard that is relentless when attacking the rim, Wali has proven to be a winner everywhere he's played. He's a standout on the defensive end where he uses his strength to his advantage and is adept at keeping the ball in front of him and out of the paint.","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_3_player":["1552715"],"_player_evaluations_3_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"Cuevas, who appears at u003cemu003eu003cstrongu003e#90u003c/strongu003eu003c/emu003e in these rankings, is one of the better scoring guards in the region. A well-built guard with a knack for getting into the paint off the bounce, Cuevas is wired to score and can get it done from all three levels. He's confident with the ball in his hands and capable of being a secondary ball-handler for an offense. He's a good team defender, knows where he needs to be on that end, and is strong enough to defend in the post when isolated on bigger offensive players.","_player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_4_player":["2312978"],"_player_evaluations_4_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"Kelley, a standout at Central Catholic, checks into these rankings at u003cemu003eu003cstrongu003e#96u003c/strongu003eu003c/emu003e. A prospect who could see his stock rise even further with a post-graduate year, Kelley has great size, runs the floor well in transition, and has good hands in the post. He sets solid screens and even shows potential as a pick-and-pop big man, with a clean stroke from behind the arc. Defensively, he's active in ball screens, is a vocal presence on the back line, and isn't afraid to mix it up for rebounds. He feels like a prospect that is just starting to put it together and thus, could have another jump to make.","_player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_5_player":["2313041"],"_player_evaluations_5_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_5_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_5_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_5_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_5_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_5_evaluation":"Davies, the reigning Gatorade Player of the Year in Maine, has taken full advantage of his post-graduate year at St. Thomas More. Checking in at u003cemu003eu003cstrongu003e#113u003c/strongu003eu003c/emu003e, the u003cemu003eu003cstrongu003eSaint Anselmu003c/strongu003eu003c/emu003e commit fully embodies the definition of a coach's kid. He's a leader on the floor and is capable of playing both on or off the ball. He has good size at the guard position but relies more on his IQ than anything else to make winning plays. He's a tough defender that's always in the right position. More than anything else, he does what it takes to win, which is why he should be a good piece for the Hawks next year.","_player_evaluations_5_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_6_player":["2313060"],"_player_evaluations_6_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_6_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_6_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_6_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_6_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_6_evaluation":"Cofield, one the top big men in the MIAA, enters the rankings at u003cemu003eu003cstrongu003e#119u003c/strongu003eu003c/emu003e. Cofield dominates the paint on both ends of the floor; dunking everything he touches on offense and protecting the rim on defense. He's shown this season that he can step out to the perimeter and make plays off one or two bounces. Defensively, he should have a high ceiling as a guy who moves his feet well laterally and has enough athleticism to make plays above the rim. When his motor is up, he's as good as any big man playing in any of the six state associations in New England.","_player_evaluations_6_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_7_player":["2313086"],"_player_evaluations_7_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_7_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_7_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_7_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_7_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_7_evaluation":"Perkins, who is one of the CIAC's most versatile wings, is now the u003cemu003eu003cstrongu003e#137thu003c/strongu003eu003c/emu003e ranked prospect in New England. He's followed up a strong summer on the grassroots scene with a terrific start to his senior campaign at Danbury. A mis-match wing, Perkins is capable of playing both inside and out. He can score from multiple levels, make plays off the bounce, and play within the structure of a half-court offense. Defensively, he's a strong rebounder for his position and a capable defender at multiple positions. As high stock continues to rise, he'll be a prospect to watch this spring.","_player_evaluations_7_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_8_player":["2313094"],"_player_evaluations_8_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_8_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_8_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_8_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_8_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_8_evaluation":"Steele, a member of Worcester North's reigning state championship squad, ranks u003cemu003eu003cstrongu003e#139u003c/strongu003eu003c/emu003e in New England. One of the region's most athletic forwards, Steele makes play after play above the rim. His offensive game, right now, mostly consists of rim finishes, often in the category of thunderous dunks. Not only is he a great verticle athlete, but he can really run the floor in transition, setting up easy baskets for himself and his teammates with his effort alone. Defensively, he's a glass cleaner who does a great job of protecting the rim. He profiles as a switchable defender at the next level as he has good length and moves his feet well on the perimeter.","_player_evaluations_8_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_9_player":["1106098"],"_player_evaluations_9_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_9_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_9_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_9_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_9_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_9_evaluation":"Harrison, one of the RIIL's top shooters, makes his first appearance in the rankings at u003cemu003eu003cstrongu003e#171u003c/strongu003eu003c/emu003e. A top notch shooter, Harrison has deep range and a quick trigger on his jumper. He's mostly an off-ball scorer, but has shown a bit of playmaking potential this season. He's a good on ball defender who has quick hands and quick feet and does a good job of keeping opposing guards out of the paint. The Classical guard should have a chance to play in plenty more high profile games this winter and could continue to see his stock rise with consistent play in big moments.","_player_evaluations_9_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":10,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65983448cc40c"} /-->