Updated 2028 Rankings: New Faces (Pt. 1)

The updated <a href="https://prephoops.com/maryland/rankings/2028-rankings/">2028 rankings</a> have gone live and after a hectic month of July filled with nonstop traveling and numerous circuits, it's time to break down the list in various ways. Below are five stock risers within the top 50 who earned a bump in the latest release.    Matthews makes his way to the DMV by way of DME Academy in Florida, but spent his first two seasons playing in Delaware, so the move isn't at drastic. The ultra-athletic wing will provide plenty energy, versatility and pop to head coach Lafayette Dublin's revamped roster as they look to embark on yet another national schedule this winter.     New only in the sense of this class's rankings, Etolue made the move from Mount St. Joseph to Mt. Zion to play under Dublin as well while also reclassifying from 2027 to 2028. A strong-framed guard who can get downhill and finish through contact, he'll supply further toughness to a backcourt that will face some top prospects on the national stage. Etolue is wrapping up his summer with [program_tooltip program_id='2077004' first='Team' last='Takeover'] being tested by some of the elite prospects in the high school landscape, so when you combine that and the experience he gained over his years at MSJ, he'll be a contributor within the rotation from day one as we saw during DMV Live.     Another prospect who decided to transfer and reclassify this summer is Nelson. The former St. Andrew's floor general will take his talents to Bullis to play under head coach Bruce Kelley and switch from 2027 to 2028, a move that allows him to develop his body, skillset and establish his recruitment. The latter has already picked up momentum as the 6'2" lead guard recently received an offer from Wagner, with several other programs of that ilk paying close attention.     Allen reappears in the Maryland/D.C. rankings after spending last season in Massachusetts at Springfield Commonwealth Academy. The tough, rugged 6'8" big man showed nice flashes this spring and summer playing with [program_tooltip program_id='2078457' first='Team' last='Durant'] in EYBL play and is slated to be the anchor for a Clinton Grace team that was in need of size and strength in their frontcourt. Allen establishes and maintains leverage to be a consistent presence on the glass at both ends and has improved his finishing around the rim catching passes that come in small windows.     Ayana is another name headed to Clinton Grace to bolster the wing and forward position, but offers a different skillset than Allen. While he brings size at 6'7", Ayana offers more of a perimeter skillset and floor-spacing tools that come with shooting off the catch. Another reclass prospect, Ayana is looking to spark some momentum within his recruitment behind what should be a daunting schedule for the Eagles, as head coach Devin Paige always loves to test his guys. Scoring efficiently, guarding multiple positions and being a constant on the glass will be key for Ayana to see the results in is individual recruitment and help Clinton Grace find success in 2026-27.     Another program in the DMV that needed size in their frontcourt was St. Frances. The reigning BCL champs scored Hurt, a 6'7" big body from Henrico, VA who will come in and provide valuable minutes as a bruiser who can dictate space on the blocks, operate with his back to the basket on post touches and be an effective screener to open up both himself and others. Running with [program_tooltip program_id='2076999' first='Team' last='Melo'] 16s this summer, Hurt had flashes of production in his role, but will be leaned on heavily this winter on Chase Street.     Hill put together a monster showing throughout DeMatha Summer League from a scoring perspective. He averaged 22.5PPG on an efficient 52.8 percent from the field as well as 5.7RPG, 2.2APG and 1.7SPG. His presence impact the glass from the guard spot adds value and also creates more opportunity for himself to start the fast break and showcase his overall playmaking ability. After spending last season improving on the junior varsity level, Hill looks fully prepared to jump to the varsity level and produce as a consistent piece within the rotation.     Fenwick will be a massive piece for New Town as they enter the 2026-27 seasons as strong contenders in Baltimore County and beyond. Fenwick brings an edge and as the lead guard, looks to tee off from deep or get into the paint where he can play off two and make sound reads. He transferred to New Town midway through his sophomore season and immediately became the spark they needed in their backcourt. The Titans will welcome a few splashy additions, but will rely on Fenwick, Josh Jones and [player_tooltip player_id='2954432' first='Michael' last='Brown'] to reach their full potential.     Camp is one of the smaller guards in the area that can put up points in bunches. He's looking to get a bucket whenever the ball is in his hands and with his twitch, he can get into the paint whenever he pleases. The Stags will need that spark at times, but if Camp wants to help raise the bar of both his team and his stock, becoming a more consistent playmaker for others considering he can get into the heart of the defense on command will pay dividends.     Kebba is still raw as an overall prospect, but there are clear tools that can lead to an intriguing long-term player. He has size at 6'7" with plus length and springy athleticism that allow him to be a versatile option defensively who can cover space quickly from the perimeter to the rim. Offensively, his skillset is still developing, but Kebba brings the athleticism by being a lob-threat around the rim or a guy who can attack closeouts in straight-line fashion and throw down impressive finishes. How he carves out a role for Springdale this winter will be a key of emphasis for me this winter.

The updated 2028 rankings have gone live and after a hectic month of July filled with nonstop traveling and numerous circuits, it's time to break down the list in various ways. Below are five stock risers within the top 50 who earned a bump in the latest release.

Mikey Matthews

HEIGHT 6'5"

POS SF

CLASS 2028

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Mikey Matthews

State: Maryland

School: Mt. Zion Preparatory Academy

Club: WeR1

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Zikom Etolue

HEIGHT 6'4"

POS SG

CLASS 2028

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Zikom Etolue

State: Maryland

School: Mt. Zion Preparatory Academy

Club: Team Takeover

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Damon Nelson

HEIGHT 6'2"

POS PG

CLASS 2027

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Damon Nelson

State: Maryland

School: The Bullis School

Club: DC Premier

Another prospect who decided to transfer and reclassify this summer is Nelson. The former St. Andrew's floor general will take his talents to Bullis to play under head coach Bruce Kelley and switch from 2027 to 2028, a move that allows him to develop his body, skillset and establish his recruitment. The latter has already picked up momentum as the 6'2" lead guard recently received an offer from Wagner, with several other programs of that ilk paying close attention.