2028 Rankings: 8 Newcomers Enter the Mix

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Over the last few months, a new wave of 2028 prospects emerged. Here are eight players who've earned spots in the latest rankings</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["3566995"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69c4263c72260"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='3566995' first='Jayden' last='Johnson'] is a floor general over at Canyon Springs and with LV United. He plays with good pace and operates with confidence. He can create his own shot off the dribble if there's an opportunity to do so, or he can let one go off the catch-and-shoot from beyond the arc. In addition to his contributions on offense, Johnson has good energy on the defensive end, often pestering opponents with his active hands and quickness. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2912155"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69c4263c72317"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='2912155' first='Keith' last='Carter'] is another Canyon Springs guard. He is a solid athlete who has a bit of burst, which can allow him to get to the rack, or he'll drive and dish. His tight handles also help him navigate traffic. On the other end of the court, Carter's speed comes in handy, and he can cut off attackers who are looking to get downhill. Look for him to be a potential stock riser in the future.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["3566783"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69c4263c72725"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='3566783' first='Dean' last='Cootware'] was a 2028 who was not on my radar before the beginning of the high school season, but I liked what I saw from him on both ends of the court. On offense, he utilized his burst and change of direction skills to maneuver around defenders. On defense, he was always hustling and made his matchup work every possession. Overall, he's a well-rounded player who absolutely deserved a spot in this new rankings update.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["3566794"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69c4263c727ba"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='3566794' first='Zhyier' last='Smith'] is a speedy point guard who has the ability to burn defenders and make tough finishes once he's in the paint. He also feeds the ball to his forwards and shooters for clean looks. Defensively, he is typically applying ball pressure and doesn't let his man get too comfortable. Keep an eye out for him this spring/summer as he continues to develop.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["3566768"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69c4263c7283e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='3566768' first='Toa' last='Fata'] was productive for Doral Red Rock Academy this season. He was their fourth-leading scorer with 8.5 PPG and led them in rebounding with 8.7 RPG. Fata also averaged 2.0 offensive boards per game and was able to score second-chance points, plus extend possessions. As a defender, he collected a couple of steals per game and had some blocks too.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["3566795"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69c4263c728bd"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='3566795' first='Jaden' last='Penney'] was an outside threat for the Spanish Springs Cougars this past season. He hit 35 shots from downtown for them and converted on just under 30% (29%). He isn't shy to let it fly if he's open, and his buckets can give his team some real juice. Expect him to step into a much larger role next season, since the Cougars' three leading scorers ahead of him were all seniors. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2605009"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69c4263c72938"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='2605009' first='Martin' last='Silas'] provided extra shooting for the Gators this year. He can hunt shots from the perimeter off the ball and is capable of knocking down 2+ if he gets quality chances. Considering he shot 38%, he'll likely continue to get the green light for them next season. With his ability to space the floor and heat up quickly, he should remain a valuable piece in their offensive rotation.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["3566801"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69c4263c73472"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='3566801' first='Rommel' last='Buenaflor'] has cracked the 2028 rankings after generating a good deal of CASLV's offense this winter. He is able to draw a fair amount of attention on his drives to the hoop, opening the door for his teammates on the block or in the corner. He also works on the defensive end to try to cause turnovers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->