2023 Rankings: Stock Risers
The latest update to the 2023 Prep Hoops Nebraska rankings has arrived, with several new faces, and a handful of meaningful changes. Let’s discuss the players who experienced the biggest jump in the rankings after their successful sophomore seasons. River…
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Continue ReadingThe latest update to the 2023 Prep Hoops Nebraska rankings has arrived, with several new faces, and a handful of meaningful changes. Let’s discuss the players who experienced the biggest jump in the rankings after their successful sophomore seasons.
River Johnston River Johnston 6'1" | PG North Platte | 2023 State NE
Current: 6 Previous: 10
A big increase in three-point volume opened up River’s game in his second high school year. He turned himself into a confident, rangy shooter, most evident in his transition pull-up three-pointers which became a common occurrence. His catch and shoot game is most impressive though, always sliding into the passer’s eyesight and into space.
TK Barnett TK Barnett 5'9" | PG Bellevue West | 2023 AL
Current: 8 Previous: 13
Despite the small stature, Barnett provided physical and aggressive play for Bellevue East in his sophomore season. He will mute some of his opponent’s size by driving hard into the chest and contorting in mid-air. He is an agile player who proved difficult to contain. Defensively he overcame his size, too, by getting into the jersey of his man, whether he had the ball or not. He did a great job denying his man the ball, and when he found himself in a mismatch he worked hard early to influence his man away from the basket and into a tough angle.
Preston Harms Preston Harms 5'11" | PG Waverly | 2023 State NE
Current: 14 Previous: 19
Waverly’s two main scoring options benefitted greatly from the floor-spacing of Harms. He has turned himself into a knock down catch and shoot option, with some ability off the dribble. He has a strong body, capable of dealing blows and fighting through physical defense.
Lance Rucker Lance Rucker 6'1" | PF Millard South | 2023 State NE
Current: 16 Previous: 21
Lance is a polarizing offensive player in some ways. He can play a bit stiff, and a lack of a strong handle prevents him from getting to his spots in rhythm. He is not a shooter, and does not have much of an intermediate game, but he does give great strength and energy under the basket. He can hang in the air, double-clutch, and finish through contact. He can run the break and finish with speed and power. His best asset would be rebounding, and specifically his second-jump ability, which earned the Patriots several extra possessions per game.
Garrett Grandgenett Garrett Grandgenett 6'2" | SG Wahoo | 2023 State NE
Current: 20 Previous: 39
In his second year, Grandgenett had a much larger role for Wahoo. His minutes increased by over 200%, and he took full advantage of the longer leash. He certainly can score, and was successful running out in transition, but his greatest impact comes from cleaning the glass and contesting well.
Jace Nelson Jace Nelson 6'6" | PF Gordon-Rushville | 2023 State NE
Current: 27 Previous: 35
Jace has largely the same skill set as he did as a freshman, with a small upgrade in passing and three-point comfortability on offense. What shot him up nine spots was the increase in efficiency in his sophomore season. His shooting percentage on two-point shots increased significantly, eleven points from last season, while simultaneously increasing his free-throw attempts and percentage.