2028 Top 20 Breakdown: 11-20

<!-- wp:gallery {"linkTo":"file","sizeSlug":"medium"} --> <figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped"></figure> <!-- /wp:gallery --> <!-- wp:gallery {"linkTo":"file","sizeSlug":"medium"} --> <figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped"><!-- wp:image {"sizeSlug":"medium","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-medium"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/01/noahkeaton.jpg?1737735798"><img /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --></figure> <!-- /wp:gallery --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's an in depth breakdown of the 11-20 ranked players in this stacked 2028 class that seems to keep growing by the day. We built this top 100 from scratch and have spent countless hours evaluating, watching film and AAU games to come up with lists and names of prospects. The top 20 players in this list have already had huge impacts on their respective schools and by March we could see that number growing to close to 30.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>11-[player_tooltip player_id='2488810' first='Drew' last='Payne'] has done an excellent job being floor general for the Sissonville squad this season. A big task no doubt for a freshman to step into an experienced lineup from a state tournament qualifier last year. Payne is a true point guard and has those type of skills that are ahead of schedule for a freshman. However his playmaking does include pulling up mid-range, lacing a three or finishing at the rim when he has the opportunity. Again, I'm comfortable projecting this freshman as a next level player, even with so many variables in play for a young player. Athletically he's there and his skill and basketball IQ match.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>12-[player_tooltip player_id='2531107' first='Noah' last='Keaton'] is yet another freshman starting point guard for a state tournament qualifier from last year. Keaton has made quite a splash early scoring in bunches in several games and even taking MVP honors from the Winter Classic in Summersville last month. Keaton is an athletic and skilled player, however I think his biggest strength is decision making when to distribute and the difference between an open shot and a great shot. I think his shot selection for a young player is way ahead of where it typically is for players this age. I certainly cannot rule this one out as a prospect at the next level.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>13-[player_tooltip player_id='2734711' first='Jay' last='Brock'] is a player I've seen in limited times but one who's left nothing but a positive first impression. His size for a young guard is above average as well as his court presence showing lots of poise and solid decision making within the Tiger offense. He has a terrific skill set off the dribble and looks to have excellent strength for a 2028. With the short amount of evaluation we've been able to do I think his size and athleticism alone would intrigue many coaches, scouts and evaluators to project him as next level.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>14-[player_tooltip player_id='2425395' first='Gabe' last='Short'] has came into his freshman year with solid and supportive performances. He's the prototypical Shady Spring guard, shooter, tough on D, skilled on O and has a high basketball IQ. Short has provided scoring support in almost every game and done it efficiently and effectively.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>15-[player_tooltip player_id='2311374' first='Kahsi' last='Morgan'] stock has risen and risen fast. What he lacks in size he makes up for in speed and athleticism. Morgan is a skilled point guard who scores in bunches and against bigger defenders regularly. Morgan has already had some big scoring games early in his career and will likely to continue.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>16-[player_tooltip player_id='2444025' first='Talen' last='Muscari'] was a much heralded middle school player by the southern part of the state and he continues his legacy by being one of the state's top freshman. Muscari is a poised and tough guard who makes excellent decisions with the ball and scores when necessary.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>17-[player_tooltip player_id='2632413' first='Carson' last='Christian'] completed an impressive freshman campaign in football at WV's top division and quickly transitioned to the hardwood. Christian has given much needed presence in the paint with his physicality and quick leaping ability cleaning up the boards and getting the points in the paint. From the projection of Carson's size and higher level athleticism it's probably likely he could pick a sport to play at the next level.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>18-[player_tooltip player_id='2639446' first='Dakota' last='Dalton'] has been a much anticipated addition to the Chapmanville program as he was an impressive middle school hooper and the Tigers were looking for guard depth. Dalton has shed the depth talk and boosted his stock to the starting rotation and it seems to be paying off for the powerhouse squad. Dalton's projection by many seems to be long term a high percentage shooting point guard. Upon seeing his film its easy to see his floor presence is full of poise and basketball IQ.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>19-[player_tooltip player_id='2444055' first='Colton' last='Preece'] has been more than welcomed and anticipated by the Wayne County faithful joining the Pioneers in basketball season. Colton has chipped into Wayne's success with 5ppg and 4reb per game and added size on a wing and helped twin brother with some paint presence. Maybe the most notable attribute is giving their line up some flexibility on defense adding his 6'2" frame and mobility. Like his brother its early on to project but we love the path Colton is currently on to be a prospect at the next level in a couple years.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>20-[player_tooltip player_id='2444054' first='Landon' last='Preece'] has been a tremendous asset to the Wayne program that was desperate for some paint presence and bigs to compliment their high level guard play and tremendous outside shooters. Preece has delivered on every bit of anticipation from the Wayne faithful who anticipated he and his twin brother's freshman seasons would be productive and help drive a winning season. Preece is currently at 8ppg and 6rebs per game which is very solid when you're splitting some touches with your twin brother. I love the direction this kid is headed early on and can see him growing into a next level stretch four or 3/4 combo.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list -->