May in review: 2028 MD/DC prospects making their case for a bump

<p>The month of May has come to a close and we turn the page to what will be a hectic June. Filled with team camps, the Scholastic Live Period and other events/camps during the non-live period, we'll have no shortage of content here on the site breaking down all the action. For this week though, we reflect on the month that was and the prospects of the 2028 class who look to be demanding a bump in the next update.</p>   <p><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/maryland/rankings/2028-rankings/?player_name=raue">For the 2027 prospects making their case, click here.</a></strong></p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='3036652' first='Legend' last='Wylie'] | 2028 | [program_tooltip program_id='2528398' first='TTO' last='Showcase']</h2>   <p>Current ranking: No. 40</p>   <p>Wylie caught my eye late in the season during the Maryland Private School State Tournament and left a pretty strong impression on me heading into the spring. The spring and early summer have been confirmation on what I saw months prior which is a versatile, fluid 6'7" southpaw forward with a really nice overall skillset. His versatility allows him to score it from anywhere on the floor and while he's still a work in progress consistently creating for himself off the bounce, he can convert on three's off the catch with his feet set, attack off 1-to-2 dribble in face-ups or operate with his back to the basket. His length and mobility make it tough for opposing bigs to track him on the glass. Plenty of potential to be tapped into with Wylie, but his progress in this span has a real argument for a bump from where he currently stands at No. 40.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='3041596' first='Max' last='Raue'] | 2028 | Washington Warriors</h2>   <p><em>Current ranking: No. 51</em></p>   <p>Raue is slated to be a vital producer for St. Andrew's this winter and based off his play this spring with the Warriors, he looks like he's well prepared for the increased role. The 6'5" off-ball guard brings great value as a floor-spacer, but has improved his burst and athleticism to make him more of a threat attacking closeouts. He's finishing above the rim with regularity in the open floor and with more power than in the winter. His combination of positional size, shooting and potential to grow as a versatile two-way player will have college programs locking into his next few months and tracking his game.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='2758600' first='Patrick' last='Shime'] | 2028 | [program_tooltip program_id='2077004' first='Team' last='Takeover']</h2>   <p><em>Current ranking: No. 71</em></p>   <p>It seems like Shime is going to step into a key role for a Gonzaga team that could make a serious run in the WCAC this winter thanks to their young, but experienced depth. Shime is another prospect on this list that pops with his lengthy frame. Pair that with the soft touch on his jumper, the ability to finish authoritatively in transition and the versatility defend multiple spots when he's dialed in and you have the archetype that plenty of college programs are seeking in their wing prospects. Consistency will be key with Shime and not in the sense of scoring 10-15 points a game. I have a strong feeling this Gonzaga team will be one of those groups who have a handful of guys hover around 7-15 points and win games with balance rather than having one ball dominant player. With Shime, it's about playing with that inspired purpose every time he takes the floor. He has the size, skill and intangibles to be a dominant presence when things are going right.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Luka Pochkhua | 2028 | [program_tooltip program_id='2077005' first='Team' last='Thrill']</h2>   <p><em>Current ranking: No. 105</em></p>   <p>Pochkua has what it takes to make a splash this June for West Nottingham in the Scholastic Live Period as he's been one of the more consistent pieces for Thrill 16s. While he oftentimes will be assigned matchups against opposing fives, he does a great job of maintain his strong base despite standing 6'6"-6'7" in those battles. Where he can provide a spark offensively is making those opposing bigs step out on the perimeter to guard. He's shown the capability in making a triple with space, but if he's being guarded against someone similar in size, he'll take them on the block and use his brute strength to create angles. He's a consistent rebounder and is showing more comfort playing within the American game since coming over last year.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='2876205' first='James' last='Walker'] | 2028 | DC Assault</h2>   <p><em>Current ranking: No. 108</em></p>   <p>Walker is another guard who will take a massive role with his respective high school team in Jackson Reed. The 6'2" combo guard has been consistent and efficient with a dominant DC Assault 16s team this spring as a guy who can fill it up from three in a hurry. He's able to play on the ball in spurts, which he'll have to do as a junior. He's an active defender especially in the passing lanes where he possesses good instincts and anticipation to jump passes and generate quick offense off the steal. He's a solid positional rebounder and can put pressure on the defense with his end-to-end speed combined with the range on his shot.</p>

The month of May has come to a close and we turn the page to what will be a hectic June. Filled with team camps, the Scholastic Live Period and other events/camps during the non-live period, we'll have no shortage of content here on the site breaking down all the action. For this week though, we reflect on the month that was and the prospects of the 2028 class who look to be demanding a bump in the next update.