The Challenge: Top 2028s

New Readers: Use code Proia30    -Probably the best single game performance I've seen out of our top guy in 2028, as Skipworth put up 23p 6a 5r 2s on 45% shooting. Skipworth really had the jumper going in this one, stepping in to knock down midrange jumpers off lifts from the wing and stepping into pull-up 3s off the bounce. But what really stood out this day was his upside as a passer-- Skipworth had a beautiful 1-handed dime to a cutter from the top of the key to make it a 4-point game with 4 mins left, executed a drive and kick to the corner shooter to make it a 1-possession game, and was really making good reads in the PnR. He answered an opponent's made 3 by stepping in to knock down one of his own to answer at the other end and almost single-handedly kept Bullis in the game vs a tough Roman Catholic group. Also thought that Skipworth has put on some weight and added muscle to do better on switches in guarding post players without fouling. The Bulldogs will go as he goes this year, with the sophomore guard leading the way after 3 starters and several rotation players graduated last season.     -Ruffin really stood out as one of several change of pace guards that lead the way for RC. He is a great passer off the live dribble with either hand, showed an explosive change of speed to hit his opponent with a hesi dribble before getting downhill to either finish or kick out to an open shooter. Love how he plays with his head up whether he is setting up the offense from the top of the key or driving baseline to free up a teammate. Ruffin makes great decisions in side and middle PnR and takes care of the rock without getting sped up. Thought that Ruffin really showed active hands defensively in the open court to come away with several strips before the ball can get above their hips. His dynamic scoring and play-making was one of the primary reasons his team came away with the win vs a good Bullis team.     -It's always nice to see prospects take that next step when their confidence becomes much more consistent on a nightly basis. Carpenter showed that improved confidence and feel by scoring 8 points within the first 3 minutes of their first game. Carpenter was hitting the glass, slashing his way to the rim, and moving really well off the ball to become the recipient of several lobs and passes on backdoor cuts. The handle has improved but he's just being more efficient and decisive with his reads in the halfcourt to quickly get into his move before the defense has a chance to react. If he can ratchet up the defensive intensity to become a defensive stopper that can also be a consistent cutter/slasher-- his recruitment will begin to pick up.     -Like his activity at both ends of the floor as the reclass year seems to be paying dividends with his positioning and feel. Williams is learning how to play without the ball in his hands as a connecting wing that can make plays off the bounce or score off of cuts. He stepped in to knock down a big three from the top of the key, had a beautifully-timed backdoor cut from the corner to make it a 1-possession game late, and gives Bullis a versatile and switchable defender that can comfortably guard 1-3 while doing alright on forwards.      -First time seeing the rising sophomore and came away impressed with his skill level as a scoring point guard that can fill it up from all 3 levels. Rountree has good burst off the bounce and understands pace/what speed he needs to come off ball screens to take advantage of defensive rotations. He doesn't need much space to get off a jumper, gets to the free throw line consistently, and can get to the room whenever he wants. Want to see more vocal leadership and communication from him as a point guard that has a ton of upside.     -Really liked the flashes that I saw from Woodard as he has already cracked a deep Springdale Prep rotation. He's an explosive, dynamic athlete that makes a ton of plays in the air as a shot-blocker, finisher, slasher, and scorer. Love his utility within their rotation as a versatile prospect that can play 1-3 both on the offensive and defensive ends of the floor. Had a big steal and dunk to seal a win in 2OT in their first matchup of the day     -Sulaiman will likely be one of our highest risers in our next rankings update as he has been performing at a high level as BL deals with a few injuries at his position. Sulaiman is a dynamic downhill driver that can stop and pop at the elbow or get all the way to the rim to score with an advanced bag of finishing moves. The lefty had it going vs Middletown scoring off of drives to the rim through contact, 3s behind ball screens at the top of the key, and elbow jumpers off the bounce. His best stretch came at the start of the 2H when he hit a stepback jumper out of an iso set, came away with a nice strip on the way up to prevent a basket and hit a face up 3 on the kickout to give his team their first lead of the game. Should be one of the top sophomores in the MIAA this season.

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