Class of 2018 Wing Stock Risers

Scott Burgess June 14, 2017 @ 05:00 PM

In this edition of our 2018 rankings update we look into what shooting guards and small forwards elevated their stock the most this spring. Javon Freeman (Whitney Young) Previous Rank: #16 Current Rank: #7 Freeman is a rangy shooting guard that transferred to Whitney Young after Seton closed. He helped lead the Dolphins to a state title being the Robin to senior Lucas Williamson's Batman. The 2018 wing is most comfortable getting out in transition where he uses his long strides and athleticism to finish at the rim. Mostly a slasher at this stage. Mid-major prospect. Zion Griffin (Hinsdale South) Previous Rank: #24 Current Rank: #13 Griffin played on the interior most of the time when we saw him with Hinsdale South. The 6'6” 2018 has made the transition to the small forward position this spring. He is a big time athlete that is explosive slashing to the hoop and finishing in transition. Jump shot is extremely streaky. Hits a few, but then goes cold for stretches. Ton of upside with Griffin. Raekwon Drake (Orr) Previous Rank: #23 Current Rank: #14 Drake is an uber athletic combo forward that helped lead Orr to a 2A state title. The biggest development in his game has been his mid-range game. Jump shot has greatly improved its consistency along with his ball handling. He is a freak athlete around the hoop that plays with a non-stop motor. Mid-major and low-majors should look at him. Kani Acree (Carbondale) Previous Rank: #35 Current Rank: #27 Acree is a prospect that we have seen a ton over the last two years in both high school and on the circuit. He is playing with the most confidence of his career at this time. Great size and a strong frame. His jump shot has improved to where it is a consistent weapon pulling up and is even becoming more accurate from deep. Can slash, rebound, and is a solid defender. Low-major prospect. Dannie Smith (Orr) Previous Rank: NR Current Rank: #37 Smith emerged out of nowhere this past season. The 6'4” power wing from Orr emerged as the go to perimeter scorer for the Spartans in their 2A state title run. He plays with a ton of toughness and aggression. Goes right after his defender attacking downhill, but is also an effective shooter off the catch. Rebounds at a high clip for a wing. D2+ prospect. Colton Sandage (Bloomington) Previous Rank: #92 Current Rank: #52 Sandage has mostly been known as a shooter with his play at Bloomington. We saw that throughout the high school season out of the 2018 two guard. Really lets it fly from deep! Plus shooter both pulling up and off the catch. His athleticism, ball handling, and defense is what elevated his stock this spring making him more of a complete player. D2+ player. Jalen Boyd (St. Joseph's) Previous Rank: #78 Current Rank: #53 Boyd has always kind of played a complimentary role. He is an athletic and angular wing that has a lot of physical tools that jump out at you. His productivity has went up another notch this spring. Boyd has become the go to player for Chicago Lockdown 17U. He is a slashing wing that can flip it in from the mid-range. Tough on ball defender that gets after it with his anticipation and quickness. D2 prospect. Eric Peterson (Batavia) Previous Rank: #101 Current Rank: #71 Peterson is a skilled and competitive wing. He is an excellent passer for an off guard and knows how to defend multiple positions. Uses his length to get into his man and make it tough for them to score. Derrion Blakenship (Joliet West) Previous Rank: NR Current Rank: #80 Blakenship emerged out of nowhere with his play for a pair of travel teams. First was his play for the Illinois T-Wolves and that was followed by a strong close to the spring with Hoops4Heatlh. Very active wing that has a nose for the ball and does the little things well. Kenyon Duling (Morgan Park) Previous Rank: NR Current Rank: #95 Duling doesn't get to show his full game for Morgan Park with so many offensive weapons, but with Caron Butler Elite the 2018 wing who is known for his toughness showed he could slash to the hoop, defend, and really rebound. Also an underrated shooter that can hit a three on occasion. Josh Boulanger (Brother Rice) Previous Rank: NR Current Rank: #100 Boulanger is an athletic wing that rebounds great from the guard position. Quick second jump allows him to get on the offensive glass. Good transition player and capable three point shooter.