Updated 2024 Rankings: New Names to Know
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On Thursday of last week, we published our updated Class of 2024 prospect rankings. By now you are familiar with the names who have remained at the top list for a year or more. Names like five-star recruits Robert Wright…
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Continue ReadingOn Thursday of last week, we published our updated Class of 2024 prospect rankings. By now you are familiar with the names who have remained at the top list for a year or more. Names like five-star recruits Robert Wright III Robert Wright III 6'0" | PG Montverde Academy (FL) | 2024 State #35 Nation FL , Ahmad Nowell Ahmad Nowell 6'0" | PG Imhotep Charter | 2024 State #36 Nation PA and Christian Bliss.
So today we will go deeper into the Pennsylvania Class of 2024 rankings and reveal five players who used the 2022-23 high school season to break into our ranking for the first time.
Below is a review of five southeastern Pennsylvania 2024 prospects who made their rankings debut in our latest update.
#74…Yadiel Cruz – 6’2” / Reading / Team Final Red / Shooting Guard: Right now, Cruz (8.7 ppg.) is a talented 4th option on a stacked Reading team contending for a 6A state title. Next year it will be Cruz’s turn as the No. 1 option for Reading. Good news, he has the skill set to handle that role. Cruz is a slasher who excels in transition as well on cuts to the basket for catch and lay-ins. He will toss in the occasional 3-ball and possesses solid handles too. Cruz scored a season high 20 points vs. Twin Valley back in January and recently notched 17 points in 2nd Round of states. He posted 10 double digit scoring games this season.
#85… Darius Frazier Darius Frazier 6'4" | SG Germantown Friends School | 2024 State PA – 6’4″ / Germantown Friends / BW Elite / Shooting Guard: Prior to this school year Frazier transferred from St. Joe’s Prep to GFS and reclassed into the 2024 graduate year. It is a move that is paying huge dividends for Frazier. In 2022-23 he posted an impressive season (10 ppg. & 6 rpg.) as an athletic third option for GFS who can score in transition, work the offensive glass, and produce points off dribble drives. Frazier recorded a 30-piece against Dobbins as well as 18 points and 17 rebounds against Overbrook. He is just scratching the surface of his potential.
#109…Bahsil Laster – 6’4” / Academy of New Church / We R1 / Wing: Laster is an intriguing prospect with tremendous versatility. He can play as an athletic slasher style wing who gets out on the fast break to score or distribute. He will not hesitate to finish with authority. In the half court Laster has a point-forward element to his game. Off the dribble he can get to the rim or create for teammates. Plus, Laster owns a devastating stop and pop game. During the 2022-23 season Laster averaged 14 points, 7 rebounds and 2 steals per game. He was a 1st Team All-Friends School League selection.
#180… Zachary Kirk Zachary Kirk 6'0" | PG Octorara | 2024 State PA – 6’0” / Octorara / LA Elit3 / Point Guard: This speedy lead guard with a watery jumper, elusive handles and a high basketball IQ has been a household name in the Lancaster area for a little bit. This winter he caught our attention by posting multiple 30-pieces. When his is not getting buckets, Kirk is facilitating for teammates and keeping Octorara connected on defense. In 2022-23 Kirk averaged 18 points to go along with 6 rebounds per night. His outstanding season was recognized with 1st Team All-Lancaster-Lebanon League honors.
#208…Matthew Gorman – 6’2″ / St. Joseph’s Prep / Gerner Basketball / Combo Guard: SJP’s first-five features a dynamic backcourt as well as a 4-star big man. So, Gorman serves as the perfect “glue guy” starter who does all the trivial things college coaches love. But make no mistake, Gorman has significant skills too. He can score at all 3-levels and is a plus defender. Gorman averaged 8.5 points and 3 rebounds per game this winter while shooting 48% from behind the arc. He scored a season high 17 points (5 threes) vs. Father Judge.