2023 Rankings: Bigger Roles
In this article:
Not every prospect’s developmental path is the same. While some prospects break out as underclassmen, others bide their time and see their biggest growth later in their high school careers. Here’s a group of prospects that might not have had…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingNot every prospect’s developmental path is the same. While some prospects break out as underclassmen, others bide their time and see their biggest growth later in their high school careers. Here’s a group of prospects that might not have had the biggest junior seasons, but after productive summers look ready to shine this winter.
Green first caught the eye nearly a year ago during preseason scrimmages as an intriguing “3 and D” type wing for the deep Del City team. He’s maintained the strong shooting from beyond the arc, but as the season progressed he showed growth in his game with more work in the midrange and improved ball handling responsibilities. He built on this strong ending to his season, with an impressive grassroots season where he displayed improvement in his playmaking ability, with increased chances to operate on the ball.
For other high school programs, Green’s combination of shooting and improved floor game would have him profile as a player who could average around 20 a game this winter. Given the depth of Del City, and their propensity for smothering teams on defense, the every night scoring punch likely won’t be needed. But spike scoring nights, that show off the 2023 guard’s improved scoring chops should still be expected.
Another prospect who flashed upside in spots for a top high school team in the state, Hjelmstad fully broke-out as a small college prospect after a huge grass roots season. Now the versatile forward should be among the most productive players in Class 6A this winter. He’s an inside-outside threat, with an outstanding work-rate, especially on the glass. Rebounding production alone would be enough to get the rugged forward ranked and have collegiate potential. But he’s more than a glass man and post threat. Proficient shooting in the midrange and from beyond the arc, along with some face up potential will see him be a major scoring threat this winter. From pure college ceiling standpoint, he’s a little stuck between positions as not quite tall enough to be a traditional “4” and not quite agile enough to be a traditional “3”. But his combination of tenacity and growing skill level, that will see him shine this winter, will also extend his playing career to the collegiate level.
Highlights
An athletic and powerful lead guard, Holdman is new to Booker T Washington. His explosive finishing ability at the rim should be a good match for the up-tempo style the Hornets play. While he shines the best as a downhill scorer, the combo guard does have playmaking potential as a facilitator for others. Regional four year small colleges looking to add to athleticism and strength should make Holdman a priority target. But it would not be shocking if JuCo is a route Holdman takes, as there is “D1” upside. And unfortunately for talented Oklahoma prospects, in recent years it has been very difficult for deserving prospects to play their way on to Division One college recruiting boards off of senior year high school production alone.
Golightly was a starter last year for the Trojans and even averaged double figures but this season Jenks will place even more responsibility on the broad shoulders of this senior. And the 6 foot 4, athletic and long arm perimeter player has the upside to shine with that responsibility. Playing off the ball he shot it well from the perimeter but now will have a chance to display his sneaky good handles as a driver.
In a recent camp viewing, Golightly shined in “Iso Situations”. He created space to hit jumpers off dribble. While his combination of size and skill make him a handful off the bounce, as he was able to power by smaller defenders or use skill to glide by bigger foes. The structure of highsSchool and even collegiate games don’t often have the spacing for Iso play that Golightly excelled at camps or on the grassroots circuit. So while scoring will get the talented guard noticed, using the full breath of his natural gifts (athleticism and wingspan) to impact all facets of the game will elevate his standing to collegiate coaches.
Highlights
Rounding out this is list is another athletic player with a good amount of untapped potential. The physical Mann could be the engine for a young but talented Rams team this winter. His frame and strength would lead to an initial belief that he’s an undersized 4/5 . But the development of his ballhandling skills and athleticism over the past six months, does have him leaning more toward a 3/4 hybrid forward type. While for his longterm prospects to continue to rise, he’ll need to improve as a shooter. His foundation as a bruising and nimble post presence is an important of his DNA. Especially as he does flash some promise with passing vision and creating for his teammates.